Mornar defeated Igokea after an exciting finish at the Topolica arena with 86:84 in the 22nd round of the ABA League.
Mornar started the game much better on the wings of Alex Gavrilovic and took an early lead of 15:7. The Bar team had momentum until the last two and a half minutes when the guests made an 8:2 run, closing the gap to minus three (20:17). The main contributor to the good rhythm of the team from Aleksandrovac was Marko Josilo.
The second quarter brought a new level of score uncertainty. It can be said that Jackie Carmichael was the most responsible during this period, as Igokea managed to end the first half trailing by just five points (39:34).
Mihailo Pavicevic’s team was in a better position for a little over three minutes in the third quarter, after which Igokea made a 13:2 run, leading to a turnaround – 58:51. It seemed that Vladimir Jovanovic’s team could gain a double-digit lead before the end of the third quarter, but the home team managed to resist the rival’s surge with two three-pointers – 62:57. Once again, Josilo utilized his minutes brilliantly, reaching a double-double performance.
Mornar opened the fourth period with a 13:3 run, returning the lead to their side (70:65). Igokea managed to ‘nullify’ the deficit afterward, and we mostly witnessed an even score on the scoreboard. The game was decided by a dunk from Uros Lukovic after Marcus Lewis‘ miss with 1.4 seconds remaining.
The most effective player for the team from Bar was Marcus Joe Weathers with 20 points, followed by Uros Lukovic with 17 points, eight rebounds, and four assists. On the other side, Nikola Maric stood out for Igokea with 18 points, while Marko Josilo contributed 15 points and 13 rebounds.
Mornar now holds a record of 5-18, while Krka stands at four wins and 18 losses (one game less), sitting at the bottom of the table. There is no doubt that there will be a fierce battle for survival between these two teams until the end of the season.
As for Igokea, they currently occupy the eighth position with 11 wins and 11 losses.
In the next round, Mornar will be visiting Cedevita Olimpija, while Igokea will host Krka.