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Montenegro Boosts Playoff Hopes with 87-81 Victory Over sweden
Tampere,Finland – Montenegro secured a crucial win in their quest for a playoff berth at the European championship finals,defeating Sweden 87-81 on Saturday. The victory moves Montenegro to 1-1 in Group B, intensifying the competition for the top four spots.Nikola Vučevičs led the Montenegrin charge with a dominant performance, racking up 23 points, 15 rebounds, four assists, and three blocked shots. Igor Drobnak added 15 points, while four other Montenegrin players – including former VEF riga player Nihad Đedović – contributed 10 points apiece.
Sweden was paced by Pell Lachson’s 28 points, seven rebounds, and four assists. Simon Birgander recorded a double-double with 11 points and 10 rebounds, with Barra Nigi and Victor Gadefors also scoring 11 points each.
The game unfolded with quarter scores of 18-15,22-19,24-31,and 23-16,ultimately favoring Montenegro.
Currently, Germany and Finland led Group B with three wins each. Lithuania holds two wins, while Montenegro and Sweden each have one. Great Britain remains winless after three matches.
The European Championship Finals feature 24 teams competing across four groups in Riga, Tampere, Katowice, and Limassol through early September. the top four teams from each group will advance to the playoffs in Riga,culminating in the medal rounds in mid-September. Semifinals will pit the top teams from Groups A & B against those from Groups C & D.
Later today in Tampere, Germany will face the UK at 4:30 pm, followed by a matchup between Lithuania and Finland at 8:30 pm.
