Pelister secured a valuable 78-70 home victory over KK TFT Skopje in the Macedonian First League on October 5, 2026, at the Sports Hall Mladost in Bitola. The win moves Pelister up the early-season standings and hands TFT Skopje a frustrating road loss in a game they kept within reach until the final minutes.

Match Overview

Pelister entered the contest looking to protect home court, while TFT Skopje aimed to steal a win on the road and build momentum in the Macedonian First League. The visitors started strong from the perimeter, but Pelister's balanced attack and timely defense proved decisive down the stretch. The game was played at a quick pace, with both teams trading runs before the home side pulled away in the fourth quarter.

First Half: Pelister Build Early Lead

Pelister came out with intensity, using a 10-2 run midway through the first quarter to take an early advantage. TFT Skopje responded with three-point shooting, but Pelister's inside presence kept them ahead. At the end of the first quarter, Pelister led 22-18.

The second quarter was a back-and-forth affair. TFT's guards found rhythm from beyond the arc, cutting the deficit to two points. However, Pelister's bench provided a spark, and a late steal-and-score gave the home team a 40-38 lead at halftime. The game remained tight, with neither team able to establish a double-digit cushion.

Second Half: TFT Fightback Falls Short

In the third quarter, Pelister tightened their defense, holding TFT to just 14 points. A 12-4 run capped by a fast-break dunk extended Pelister's lead to 60-52 heading into the final period. TFT Skopje refused to go away, opening the fourth quarter with a 9-2 surge to pull within one point and silence the home crowd.

But Pelister's veteran leaders stepped up. A clutch three-pointer and two free throws in the final two minutes sealed the win. TFT had chances to close the gap but committed costly turnovers down the stretch, and Pelister converted those mistakes into points. The final score of 78-70 reflected Pelister's ability to execute in crunch time.

Tactical Story: Defense and Rebounding

Pelister won the rebounding battle 38-30, which proved crucial. Their defensive pressure forced TFT into 15 turnovers, leading to 18 fast-break points. TFT Skopje shot well from three-point range at 40 percent but struggled inside, hitting only 35 percent of their two-point attempts. Pelister's ability to control the paint and limit second-chance points made the difference. The home team also did a better job of getting to the free-throw line in the fourth quarter, converting 8 of 10 attempts when it mattered most.

Standout Performers

• Nikola Stojanovski (Pelister): 22 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists. The guard was instrumental in the fourth quarter, scoring 10 of his points in the final period.
• Stefan Trajkovski (Pelister): 16 points, 9 rebounds. Dominated the boards and provided a strong inside presence on both ends.
• Marko Simonovski (KK TFT Skopje): 18 points, 4 three-pointers. Kept TFT in the game with hot shooting from downtown.
• Darko Kostovski (KK TFT Skopje): 14 points, 6 assists. Orchestrated the offense but was hampered by foul trouble in the second half.

What the Result Means

With the win, Pelister improves their league record and gains momentum in the Macedonian First League. The team's balanced scoring and defensive discipline will be key as they continue their season. For KK TFT Skopje, the loss highlights the need to execute better in crunch time and reduce turnovers. They will look to bounce back in their next fixture.

Pelister's next game will be on the road, while TFT Skopje returns home hoping to defend their home court. Both teams remain in the mix for a playoff spot, and this early-season result could loom large in the final standings. The Macedonian First League continues to provide competitive basketball, and Pelister's win over TFT Skopje is another example of how home-court advantage can shape the race for the title.