MZT Skopje upsets Buducnost in ABA, 96-90

A major upset occurred in Round 12 of the ABA League 2016-17 regular season as second ranked KK Buducnost (10-2) fell at the hands of 10th placed MZT Skopje (4-8), 96-90. The Montenegrin powerhouse was stunned by their Macedonian hosts in what proved to be a crucial run in the fourth quarter. With one last game left to be played in the round, this was arguably the most important match so far.

Both clubs had a balanced attack, with each team seeing multiple players contribute double digit scoring for their causes. MZT Skopje had the superior ball movement in the game and made full use of their extra passing to find the open man. MZT Skopje recorded 23 assists compared to 17 by Buducnost. They trailed at the end of three quarters, but outscored Buducnost 26-18 in an impressive fourth and final period. The team overcame big performances by Marcus Williams who had a game-high 21 points and J.R. Reynolds who added 18 points of his own.

Josh Scott led the charge with a solid double-double for MZT Skopje, scoring a team-high 15 points and pulling down 11 boards. He led six other teammates to score in double figures.

Despite falling to 10-2, Buducnost keeps hold of the second spot in the league. They trail undefeated Crvena Zvezda which has yet to play its game for the round. Their pole position in now secure. Buducnost is now just one game ahead of BC Partizan (9-3), which defeated Krka Novo Mesto 70-82.