Ibar overcomes a slow start to win a thrilling first game of 2021

KK Ibar is the winner of the first game of 2021 in Delasport Balkan League. The Rozaje team visited KK Kumanovo 2009 and took an 81-79 victory after overcoming a slow start. The hosts had a good early lead but from the second quarter on it was the visitors who were doing a bit better and came away with the win at the end. It puts Ibar at 3-3 record which ties the team with Beroe. Kumanovo on the other side is in last position with 2-4 record and will travel to Bulgaria for two games next week.

The teams exchanged one quarter in the first half with the hosts having the better in at the start but the visitors in the second. At the break the score was tied and it continued to be a close game throughout the third period. Early in the fourth the visitors managed to pull away and hung on to their lead. They entered the final minute up by 4 but due to Amin Hot missing four free throws in the decisive moments, Kumanovo had their chances. With 6 seconds to go and Ibar leading by 2, the hosts had an opportunity to tie or win the game but first Robev missed a triple and then the buzzer sounded.

Four players scored in double figures for the winners with Amin Hot and Nemanja Simovic having 15 points apiece. Eldin Huremovic and Maid Cicic also did well having 12 points each and 8 and 7 rebounds respectively.

The top player in the game was Gorjan Markovski but his 33 points and 9 triples weren't enough for Kumanovo. The only other in double figures for the hosts was Corey Raley-Ross with 13 points adding also 8 rebounds, 4 assists but having 7 turnovers.

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