Sutjeska turned things around in the 4th quarter and defeated MZT, Simonović: We showed character when things didn't work out, deserved victory

Sutjeska basketball players continued their winning streak this season and tonight in Nikšić, in the second round of the ABA2 league, they defeated MZT - 83:77.

Sutjeska recorded two triumphs in the ABA2 league, and four in all competitions.

But the first half and third quarter did not foreshadow such an epilogue. MZT led during the first half, and after 20 minutes had a 10-point advantage - 37:27.

At the beginning of the second half, the Macedonian representative had a 13-point lead (44:31), and with two and a half minutes left in the third quarter, they were up 11 points - 58:47.

Then Sutjeska's run started, Marko Simonović's team made a 9:0 run and came close to 58:56, and after Martin's point, tied the score at 62:62.

Then Martin hit two three-pointers in a row, Tadić was accurate for two points, Sutjeska tied eight points and led 70:64, but MZT came close to 70:69. Then Barović and Miljanić took Nikšić to 75:69, but MZT was only three points down with 40 seconds left - 78:75. However, the guests in Nikšić were unable to turn the tables in the end.

"The most important thing is that we won. I congratulate the MZT team on a fair and correct fight, they played well the whole game. We didn't play the way we train, but that's perhaps expected - the first game at home, the opening of the season, a little pressure... The guys from previous seasons have slightly different roles, so everything is justified. I'm glad that we managed to find a way and show character even when it was difficult, when it wasn't going well. We didn't give up, and I was aware that at some point we would start playing our game. The moment we started playing our game, we took control of the game and deservedly won," said Sutjeska coach Marko Simonović after the match.

Sutjeska will play away to Radnički in Kragujevac in the next round.

"Thank you to all the people who were in the hall. I hope there will be more and more of them at the next games. I said that this is a new Sutjeska and that this Sutjeska will never give up. It will certainly be that way throughout the season," said Simonović.

Sutjeska was led to victory by Martin with 19, Barović with 15 and Miljanić with 10 points.

On the other hand, Smith had 20.