When Jovan Vojinović made a three-pointer to bring the score to 50:49 midway through the third quarter, it seemed the first match of the Cup quarterfinals would end thrillingly. However, his team, Sutjeska, struggled to keep up with SC Derby afterward.

The “students” showcased their strength as a top team in the AdmiraBet ABA League, responding to the lead with an impressive 11:0 run that set them on the path to the semifinals, ultimately winning 87:81 in Bijelo Polje.

Petar Mijović’s squad, the defending champions, will face either local team Jedinstvo or Teod in the final tomorrow, with their matchup set for tonight at 20:30 PM.

The Nikšić team played strongly for two and a half quarters, leading at various points, and persevered even as SC Derby took a 19-point lead (85:66) with just over four minutes remaining. Sutjeska closed the gap to 87:81 in the final moments, but with Mijović rotating players from the bench, a comeback seemed unlikely.

Leading SC Derby to victory were Erik Nil with 18 points and Nikola Pavlićević with 15 points. Luka Bogavac contributed 13 points, while Emir Hadžibegović added eight points and secured ten rebounds.

“We performed well for three quarters, but our approach faltered at times, which hindered our chances of victory. If we maintain a strong mentality and play for all 40 minutes, we can present ourselves as a united team. This serves as a wake-up call, given the talent in the Montenegrin league. Kudos to the Jedinstvo team for their organization. Bijelo Polje is vital for Montenegrin basketball, and I hope Jedinstvo will become more competitive in the coming years,” said SC Derby coach Petar Mijović after the match.

Conversely, Sutjeska’s players could not match the outstanding performance of their seasoned captain Filip Barović, who scored 21 points and pulled down nine rebounds, with Milić Starovlah being the next highest scorer at 14 points.

“We faced a quality opponent who competes at a higher level of basketball. Their individual skills proved decisive. We had periods of solid team play, but our inconsistency has been an issue throughout the season, and we’ll work to improve that. I appreciate the host’s hospitality,” said Nikšić’s coach, Boško Bošković.

Cup of Montenegro, quarter finals

Sutjeska Electric Power Company – SC Derby 81:87

The Future Loves – Primorje 1945 (15:30)

Mornar – Podgorica Bemax (18:00)

Unity 1950 – Teodo (20:30)

Semi-finals, Thursday

SC Derby – Jedinstvo/Teodo

Future/Littoral – Mornar/Podgorica

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