Jadran Herceg Novi made a strong start to the Montenegrin League playoff final, beating Budva 23-16 in the opening game of the best-of-five series.
The defending champions lived up to their status as favourites, although the match was far from a defensive masterclass. The first quarter alone produced 15 goals, with both sides finding too much space in attack.
Jadran started quickly and moved into a 4-1 lead inside the opening three minutes, but Budva responded well and stayed close throughout a wild first period. By the first break, the visitors had cut the gap to just one goal, trailing 8-7.
However, any hope of another Budva upset, following their semifinal win over Primorac, faded in the second quarter. Jadran tightened up defensively and quickly stretched the lead to 11-7. By halftime, the hosts had built a commanding 14-8 advantage.
From there, Budva never seriously threatened a comeback. The gap did not fall below six goals in the second half, while Jadran held an eight-goal lead on several occasions before closing out a convincing seven-goal victory.
Four Jadran players scored four goals each, with Lazic, Valera, Gojkovic and V. Radovic all leading the attack. Merkulov added three.
In the bronze-medal playoff series, Primorac, who finished first in the regular season, opened with a 19-13 win over Buducnost.
Both playoff series will continue until one team reaches three wins.
2026 Montenegrin League, playoffs
Final, Game 1
Jadran HN – Budva 23-16
(8-7, 6-1, 5-4, 4-4)
Jadran m:tel: Lazic 4, Valera 4, Gojkovic 4, V. Radovic 4, Merkulov 3, Stupar 2, Vujovic 1, Janovic 1, Sladovic 1.
Budva BDR: Dragovic 4, Bastrica 3, Vuskovic 3, Vukcevic 2, M. Brguljan 1, Baucalo 1, Vukicevic 1.
Third-place playoffs, Game 1
Primorac – Buducnost One 19-13
(5-3, 5-5, 3-2, 6-3)
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