The Montenegrin cadet basketball team was unable to secure a spot in the semifinals of the European Championship B Division, thus continuing their quest to rejoin the elite tier of the competition. Despite a commendable performance in the group stage with three victories, Montenegro faced a setback yesterday, losing to Poland in the quarterfinals by a score of 90:68.

The national team was tied at the half. After Poland surged ahead with a 13:3 start, Montenegro fought back to gain a brief lead, concluding the first half with a deficit of six points at 36:30. However, in the ensuing quarter, Poland demonstrated their dominance, having ended the group stage undefeated, and they quickly extended their lead to double digits, maintaining control through the final buzzer.

Montenegro had three players scoring in double figures: Luka Malović with 13 points and nine rebounds, David Bajčeta with 12 points, and Ljuban Mujović contributing 11 points along with eight assists, boasting the highest efficiency rating of 18. Unfortunately, subpar shooting percentages (only 35% on two-pointers) and a troubling 22 turnovers significantly tilted the game in favor of the opposition.

Montenegro will now compete for positions 5th to 8th for the remainder of the championship.

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