In a thrilling encounter, Lovćen solidified its position at the top of the SBbet Prva liga by defeating Budućnost Podgorica 30-26 on March 15, 2024. This victory comes on the heels of their earlier win against Budvanska Rivijera, positioning them firmly as frontrunners for the championship title.
The match started with Budućnost taking an early lead, reaching a score of 6-3 by the 14th minute. However, Lovćen responded with a powerful 3-0 run, demonstrating their resilience. The first half ended with Budućnost ahead 15-11, but the second half proved to be a different story as Lovćen clawed their way back into contention.
Decisive Moments in the Final Minutes
As the match progressed, both teams exchanged goals, with multiple ties at 15-15, 16-16, and 17-17. Budućnost managed to regain a two-goal advantage on three occasions, but Lovćen was relentless. In a critical shift, Vladimir Stanković scored two consecutive goals, giving Lovćen its first lead of the match at 22:23, and later extending it to 23:25 with a swift counterattack from Milan Popović.
With the score at 25-26, Lovćen’s goalkeeper, Vasilije Vujović, made a crucial save against Andrija Radovanović, which shifted the momentum in Lovćen’s favor. Following a timeout, Stanković scored again, pushing the score to 25-27. With just over three minutes left on the clock, Bogdan Petričević’s goal extended Lovćen’s lead to three, effectively sealing the match.
Standout Performers
Petričević emerged as the standout player, scoring eight goals from ten attempts and earning the title of Player of the Match. Stanković also made significant contributions with six goals, while both Popović and Nikola Andrić added five goals each to the scoreboard. Vujović’s impressive performance included 12 saves, underscoring his importance to the team’s success.
On the opposing side, Vuko Borilović managed to stop 14 shots, but Budućnost struggled to find their rhythm in the final minutes. Emir Đulović and Savo Slavuljica were the top scorers for Budućnost, each netting seven goals.
With this victory, Lovćen now holds a two-point lead over Budvanska Rivijera and a four-point advantage over Budućnost, which has played one more match. The outcome significantly affects Budućnost’s chances for the title as they prepare for the upcoming Mini Liga for the championship.
As the season progresses, Lovćen’s determination to defend their title continues to shine through, showcasing their capabilities as they navigate the challenges ahead.
