Bijelo Polje and the energized crowd at the “Nikoljac” hall reveled in a thrilling finale, showcasing exceptional basketball, showcasing a clash between two American stars and two of the finest clubs from Montenegro.

Ultimately, Budućnost Voli triumphed over SC Derbi, clinching the Montenegrin Cup trophy for the 17th time with a nail-biting score of 105:104.

With this victory, the “Blue and White” reclaimed the trophy, which had been won last year by a younger squad from Podgorica.

This time around, the Montenegrin champions were effectively guided by McKinley Wright, who returned to action after missing the previous two games due to injury. The point guard, who joined Podgorica from Dallas, scored 34 points, overshadowing Eric Neal’s commendable performance of 30 points, hailing from the same Texas city.

The cup found its way back to the blue and white side of Podgorica, proving that even in fatigue, Budućnost can tough it out in challenging matches. SC Derbi’s relentless spirit made this final truly memorable.

Despite it being the third match in as many days, both teams started strong, engaging the audience with impressive plays and three-point shooting. Thus, it was no surprise that the score at halftime stood at 54:50.

The “students” made a strong start, initially leading 15:9, but Rajt and Petar Minić quickly recovered for Budućnost with crucial three-pointers. Emir Hadžibegović also contributed with two three-pointers for Bijelo Polje, helping SC Derbi maintain its lead until the 12th minute.

Captain Aleksa Ilić of Budućnost then scored to give his team their first lead (28:27). After four points from Wright and one of Fletcher Magee’s spectacular three-pointers with 37 seconds left in the half, Budućnost secured a double-digit lead for the first time (54:44).

SC Derbi had a response, with Erik Neal sinking two consecutive three-pointers and scoring a total of nine points in a row, narrowing the gap to just one point (54:53) at the start of the third quarter.

Neal continued his scoring spree, and as he netted his 27th point, the “students” reclaimed the lead (63:62).

Not long after, SC Derbi’s point guard was sidelined due to foul trouble. From that point on, it became a neck-and-neck game, with each team trading leads. Budućnost had Rajt, Megi, and Kamenjaš stepping up, while Derbi countered with Luka Bogavac, Filip Andjušić, David Mirković, and the seasoned Nikola Pavlićević.

The climax of the match unfolded as an intense shootout, both teams landing three-pointers. Budućnost held a slim 98:92 lead with under three minutes remaining, but SC Derbi fought back yet again with a three-pointer from Pavlićević (98:97).

After a few missed chances by Kamenjaš, the game stood at 101:101 with 1 minute and 10 seconds left. Pavlićević had an opportunity to give SC Derbi the lead with a layup, but the BiH center made a key block to redeem himself.

As the clock wound down, Luka Bogavac struggled from beyond the arc, while Wright hit his free throws with composure, sealing the win for the “blue and white” in an exhilarating final.

Buducnost – SC DERBI 105:104 (24:26, 30:24, 21:25, 30:29)

Bijelo Polje – “Nikoljac” Hall. Attendance: 2,000.

Buducnost: Ilić 13, Megi 21, Minić 3, Knežević, Tičić, Slavković 7, Živaljević, Krivokapić, Ferel 11, Jovanović, Rajt 34, Kamenjaš 19.

SC Derby: Sudar, Neal 30, Pavlićević 17, Andjušić 2, Bogdanović 3, Hadžibegović 15, Vučeljić 6, Grbović 2, Nikolić 6, Bogavac 18, Mirković 5.

News