The match at the "Bemax Arena" was decided in overtime, in which the team from Slovenia managed to justify its role as a favorite and with this triumph secured its passage to the Top 8, while Podgorica ended the competition with a score of 1-7.
After just a minute and a half of play, Podgorica Bemax led 7:0, and midway through the first quarter, 13:8. However, Helios then went on a 14:0 run and took a 22:13 lead. The visitors had a +16 lead in the 12th minute (31:15), while at halftime, Helios had a double-digit lead (48:38).
The home team opened the second half brilliantly and with an 11:2 run reached a half-point deficit – 50:49, only to turn things around in the 27th minute, after a three-pointer by Vrbica – 62:59.
Drama ensued, and then Helios broke away with 5.25 minutes left – 75:81, and in the 36th minute took the lead 84:77. But even then Podgorica Bemax did not give up. The Slovenians had the advantage (86:83), Ivanovic fought for a foul for three throws (45 seconds before the end) – 86:86.
After Mahmutovic missed a three, Podgorica had a timeout and 17 seconds to organize an attack for the win. However, Lacmanovic lost the ball, Sirc had a chance to give Helios the victory with the sound of the siren, but he missed the shot.
In the extra five minutes, Helios maintained their lead, and with the score at 93:94, Mahmutovič scored his 41st point (1.05 to go). When Vrbica missed on the other end, it was clear that a turnaround was impossible. Zemljič put an end to the match with a three-pointer for the final 93:99.
Four players on the Podgorica Bemax team were in double figures – Denil Krnić scored 24, Siniša Šorak 19, Mašan Vrbica added one less point, while Danilo Ivanovic scored 15.
Other scorers included Danilo Lacmanović with nine, Milorad Brajović with four, Haris Ćurevac with three and Lazar Radetić with one point.
