The Montenegrin national basketball team will wrap up the European Championship qualifier today at 17:30 in Stockholm against Sweden.

Led by Boško Radović, the team is in a strong position heading into the final round, close to qualifying for EuroBasket. However, no one in the camp is making calculations; the focus remains on securing a win to conclude the qualifying cycle successfully and qualify for the European Championship in style.

As the final round approaches, Montenegro and Germany are tied at 3-2, while Sweden and Bulgaria are at 2-3. The “Reds” can only miss out on EuroBasket if they lose to Sweden, resulting in all teams being tied at 3-3, with Montenegro having the weakest point difference. Currently, Montenegro’s point difference is +9, Bulgaria’s is -32, and Sweden’s is -33.

– There have been many unexpected results in this group, so the final outcome will be resolved in the last round, and we are in a favorable position. We didn’t perform well against Germany and struggled defensively. Despite missing a point guard, we managed to score 76 points but with missed shots. Allowing 95 points against Germany makes a positive outcome impossible. However, that is behind us — we have a match against Sweden ahead, and a win guarantees our place in the European Championship. Other scenarios are not our concern. We know how to respond, even if the match takes an unfavorable turn. Winning is the only option — Radović made it clear.

Unlike the match against Germany, Montenegro will be further depleted today, missing Vladimir Mihailović, Marko Simonović, and Luka Bogavac, who was injured on Thursday. Bojan Dubljević and Charlie Moore have missed this qualifying cycle, and Igor Drobnjak and Marko Todorović are also absent. However, Nikola Ivanovic will be in the lineup, who did not play in the previous match against the current world champions.

– We have a “mixed” squad for the Sweden game as well. Mihailović stayed in Podgorica after playing beyond his limits against Germany, dealing with numerous injuries and fatigue. Marko Simonović also remained in Podgorica for personal reasons. However, we’re stronger with Nikola Ivanovic on board — the coach clarified.

The coach emphasized that defense must improve.

– We prepared for this matchup. I expect us to perform better, especially defensively, and I believe we can score the points we need in attack. Our defense must be significantly better than it was in Podgorica — said Radović.

Montenegro achieved a victory over Sweden in Podgorica last year, winning 95:70.

– We won against Sweden in Podgorica, but they are not the same team now, nor are we the same as we were then. We expect a challenging and unpredictable game — the coach noted.

Dino Radončić is looking for a reaction from the “reds” following their defeat against Germany.

– This is a decisive match against a team we previously defeated easily in Podgorica. But both teams have changed since then. We face a tough match ahead, and I hope we can respond positively after the not-so-great performance against Germany and show our pride — commented the winger.

Radončić is also avoiding thoughts of calculations.

– Once we finish the game, we’ll know where we stand. The key is to give our maximum effort. We hope that the Germans field their best team to beat Bulgaria and help us out — concluded Dino Radončić.

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