The best when needed most: Montenegro qualified for Eurobasket for the 8th time in a row

Ahead of today's match between the women's basketball teams of Montenegro and Luxembourg in the EuroBasket qualifiers, there were many combinations and calculations. It was known that a triumph by at least 11 points would take our team to the European Championship, and that a defeat would leave them without participation in the continental competition.

But, from the first minute, from the first attack in Bar's "Topolica", it was clear that the "reds" see themselves at the European Championship. The team led by Jelena Škerović played a dominant game, recorded a convincing victory, defeated Luxembourg (86:53) and qualified for the European Championship for the eighth time in a row.

Montenegro not only celebrated a minimum 11-point difference, but also made up for the 22-point loss from the first match, played in November last year in Luxembourg, when it was 71:49.

From start to finish, our team led, opening the match with ten consecutive points, so after Marija Leković's three-pointer it was 10:0. And when the captain, Milica Jovanović, scored for 13:2, our team was at the desired 11-point lead.

The first quarter was ideal, Montenegro hit six three-pointers in that period and led 10:31 after 12 minutes.

While our team was in a good shooting mood in the first quarter, the situation changed 180 degrees in the second. Montenegro scored only six points in the second quarter, but still went into the break with a plus 11 - 37:26.

In the third quarter, the Luxembourg women's basketball team came close to minus nine (37:28), and midway through that period, to minus seven - 45:38. But then our team's furious play began, and the three-point shot worked again - Montenegro made a 15:2 run, took a 60:40 lead, and it was already clear that the visa for Eurobasket had been checked.

By the end, the advantage grew to a maximum of 35 points (84:49 and 86:51), a great success for our national team.

The most efficient player was Nataša Mek with 15 points. Marija Leković had 14, Dragana Živković and Jovana Pašić 12 each, and Bojana Kovačević 10 points.

Cahill was the most efficient player against Luxembourg with 13 points.

Montenegro was dominant in rebounding, having as many as 47 rebounds (20 offensive), compared to Luxembourg's 34.

The European Championship is scheduled for June 18-29 in the Czech Republic, Germany, Italy and Greece.