Jadran move one win from Montenegrin title after dominant victory over Budva

Jadran Herceg Novi are one win away from retaining the Montenegrin League title after another commanding performance in the playoff final.

The reigning champions defeated Budva 20-9 away from home in Game 2 of the best-of-five final series, taking a 2-0 lead and putting themselves in position to close out the championship on June 2.

Budva briefly stayed level at 1-1 in the opening stages, but that was as close as the home side came. Jadran responded with four unanswered goals to move 5-1 ahead, quickly taking control of the match and silencing any hopes of a more competitive contest.

By halftime, Jadran had already built a decisive 11-4 advantage. The visitors continued to dominate after the break, stretching the margin into double figures early in the fourth period at 15-5, before closing out another emphatic playoff victory.

Aleksandar Gojković, Ivan Merkulov and Vladislav Kholod each scored three goals for Jadran, while Marko Stupar, Daniil Valera and Vasilije Vraneš added two apiece in a balanced attacking display.

For Budva, who stunned regular-season leaders Primorac in the semifinals, the final has so far proved a step too far. The hosts were led by three goals each from Dragović and M. Brguljan, but they were unable to contain Jadran’s pace, depth and efficiency.

Jadran now have the chance to secure the title in Game 3 and complete a sweep of the final series.

Primorac secure Euro Cup group-stage place

While Primorac were left frustrated by their semifinal exit against Budva, the Kotor-based side responded professionally in the third-place playoffs.

Primorac completed a 3-0 series win over Budućnost, following up their opening victory with two convincing nine-goal wins. They first defeated Budućnost 20-11 away from home, before sealing third place with a 23-14 win in Kotor.

The result means Primorac qualify directly for the Euro Cup Group Stage, while Budućnost will begin their European campaign in the Euro Cup qualifications.

Results

Final, Game 2

Budva 9-20 Jadran m:tel
Quarters: 2-5, 2-6, 1-3, 4-6
Series: Jadran lead 2-0

Budva scorers: Dragović 3, M. Brguljan 3, Baucalo, Vukčević 1, Bastrica 1.
Jadran HN scorers: Gojković 3, Merkulov 3, Kholod 3, Stupar 2, Valera 2, Vraneš 2, Janović 1, Sladović 1, Lazić 1, Vujović 1, Obradović 1.