Prior to today’s game between Montenegro and Luxembourg’s women’s basketball teams in the EuroBasket qualifiers, numerous scenarios and calculations were on the table. It was established that a victory by at least 11 points would secure our team’s spot in the European Championship, while a loss would mean missing out on the continental event.

However, from the very first minute, during the initial play at Bar’s “Topolica,” it was evident that the “reds” envisioned themselves at the European Championship. The team, under the leadership of Jelena Škerović, played a commanding game, achieving a convincing victory over Luxembourg (86:53) and qualifying for the European Championship for the eighth consecutive time.

Montenegro not only celebrated the required 11-point margin but also successfully overcame a 22-point deficit from their earlier match in Luxembourg in November last year, which they lost 71:49.

Our team maintained the lead throughout the game, beginning with ten consecutive points. Following Marija Leković’s three-pointer, the score was 10:0, and when captain Milica Jovanović scored to make it 13:2, our team had already achieved the desired 11-point advantage.

The first quarter was flawless, with Montenegro hitting six three-pointers and leading 31:10 after 12 minutes.

Despite the excellent shooting in the first quarter, the dynamics shifted dramatically in the second. Montenegro managed only six points during this quarter, yet still entered halftime with an 11-point lead of 37:26.

In the third quarter, Luxembourg’s team closed the gap to nine points (37:28) and then to seven (45:38) midway through. However, Montenegro’s intensive play kicked in, and with a strong three-point game, they launched a 15:2 run to widen the lead to 60:40, indicating that the path to EuroBasket was secured.

The lead eventually surged to a maximum of 35 points (84:49 and 86:51), marking a significant achievement for our national team.

Nataša Mek was the standout performer, scoring 15 points. Marija Leković contributed 14 points, while Dragana Živković and Jovana Pašić each added 12 points, and Bojana Kovačević scored 10 points.

Cahill led Luxembourg with 13 points.

Montenegro excelled in rebounding, recording 47 rebounds (20 offensive) against Luxembourg’s 34.

The European Championship is set to take place from June 18-29 in the Czech Republic, Germany, Italy, and Greece.

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