Balkan Botevgrad delivered a commanding performance in the Club Friendship competition, dismantling visiting KK TFT Skopje with a resounding 97–59 victory on 6 September 2026. The Bulgarian outfit set the tone early, raced to a comfortable lead before half-time, and never looked back in a contest that showcased their depth, shooting efficiency, and defensive intensity against the North Macedonian visitors.

Match Overview

Played at a vibrant home venue, the friendly but competitive fixture saw Balkan Botevgrad impose their will from the opening tip-off. The hosts exploded out of the blocks, combining aggressive full-court pressure with quick ball movement to create high-percentage looks in transition. By the end of the first quarter, they had already established a double-digit cushion, leaving KK TFT Skopje to play catch-up throughout.

The result was never truly in doubt after the midpoint, but Botevgrad continued to push the tempo in the second half, stretching the margin to almost 40 points before the final buzzer. The decisive 97–59 scoreline reflected a complete performance from the home side, who used the game as an ideal preparation for the upcoming club season.

How the Game Was Won

Balkan Botevgrad’s dominance started on the defensive end. They contested every shot, forced numerous turnovers, and converted those stops into easy buckets on the break. Their rebounding superiority also limited KK TFT Skopje’s second-chance opportunities, allowing the hosts to control the pace and never let the visitors gain any sustained momentum.

Offensively, Botevgrad displayed balanced scoring across the rotation. Their guards consistently broke down the Skopje defence, finding open shooters on the perimeter and feeding the post for high-percentage finishes. The ball moved crisply, and the home team finished several highlight-reel fast breaks that energised the crowd and demoralised the travelling side.

For KK TFT Skopje, the struggles were evident early. Their perimeter shots failed to fall, and their half-court offence became predictable under pressure. While they managed a brief push in the third quarter, matching Botevgrad’s intensity for short stretches, every mini-run was answered with a swift counter by the hosts, who maintained their discipline and never allowed the lead to shrink to a dangerous level.

Standout Performances

While the official box score was not immediately available, several Botevgrad players clearly stood out with their contribution to the lopsided victory. The home team’s starting backcourt was particularly effective, dictating the tempo and creating consistent scoring opportunities for themselves and their teammates. The frontcourt also played a crucial role, protecting the rim and cleaning the glass on both ends of the floor.

On the losing side, KK TFT Skopje showed effort until the final whistle, but they struggled to find enough offensive firepower to mount a serious comeback. One bright spot was their resilience in the final minutes, when the young substitutes played with energy and managed to win a few late possessions, though it did little to alter the final outcome.

Context and What It Means

The Club Friendship fixture serves as an important tune-up for both teams, allowing coaches to evaluate rotations and experiment with line-ups ahead of more competitive challenges. For Balkan Botevgrad, this emphatic win provides a major confidence boost and underlines their status as a well-prepared and deep squad. For KK TFT Skopje, the heavy defeat offers valuable lessons in execution against a physically imposing opponent — something they will look to correct before the games that really count.

The 97–59 margin is a statement result for Botevgrad, who will hope to carry this level of performance into league play. TFT Skopje, meanwhile, will want to erase the memory quickly, using the film as a teaching tool to tighten their defence and improve their shot selection. In the broader picture, friendly fixtures like this one demonstrate the growing value of cross-border club competition in the region, with Bulgarian and Macedonian teams regularly meeting to sharpen their squads.