Sutjeska secured an important 87-80 victory over Triglav Kranj in Adriatic Basketball D2, combining a strong first half with composed execution down the stretch. The home side led 45-38 at halftime and survived a second-half push from Triglav, improving their position in the regional second-tier competition with a win built on interior scoring and timely defensive stops.

Match overview

Sutjeska started with purpose, moving the ball inside and drawing early fouls on the Triglav frontcourt. A 21-18 first quarter gave the hosts a narrow edge, and they extended it in the second period with a 24-20 run. Triglav stayed within reach thanks to perimeter shooting, but Sutjeska’s advantage on the boards allowed them to control the tempo for long stretches.

• Final score: Sutjeska 87, Triglav Kranj 80
• Quarter scores: 21-18, 24-20, 19-22, 23-20
• Halftime: Sutjeska 45-38
• Leading scorers: Nikola Vuković 23 (Sutjeska), Rok Zupan 19 (Triglav Kranj)

Key moments

Triglav Kranj made its move early in the fourth quarter, cutting the deficit to 64-62 and forcing Sutjeska into a timeout. The response was immediate: Sutjeska scored eight unanswered points, with Vuković converting inside and Luka Pavić knocking down a contested jumper. That run restored a 72-62 cushion and gave the hosts enough breathing room to close the game at the free-throw line.

Triglav refused to go away quietly and trimmed the lead to six points in the final two minutes, but Sutjeska executed its late-game possessions well. The hosts protected the ball, attacked the rim when the defense overextended, and made enough free throws to keep the visitors from completing the comeback.

Tactical story

Sutjeska’s game plan was clear: dominate the paint and make Triglav work for every shot. The hosts finished with a significant advantage in points in the paint and generated extra possessions through offensive rebounds. Their big men screened effectively in pick-and-roll actions, creating driving lanes for guards and second-chance opportunities when Triglav rotated to help.

Triglav Kranj stayed competitive by spreading the floor and looking for three-point chances, but the shots did not fall consistently enough in the second half. The visitors also struggled to contain Sutjeska’s physicality on the block. When Triglav went small to increase its shooting, Sutjeska responded by going inside and drawing fouls.

Standout players

Nikola Vuković was the anchor for Sutjeska, finishing with 23 points and 10 rebounds while drawing multiple fouls inside. Luka Pavić added 17 points and six assists, controlling the tempo in the backcourt and hitting a key fourth-quarter shot. Triglav’s Rok Zupan led the visitors with 19 points, while Jan Kralj contributed 15 and kept Triglav within striking distance until the final minutes.

Season impact

The result gives Sutjeska a valuable home win in Adriatic Basketball D2 and strengthens their early-season credentials. Triglav Kranj will take positives from the fightback but will need better rebounding and more consistent perimeter shooting in close games. Sutjeska’s ability to close out a tight fourth quarter could prove important as the competition progresses.