Primorac produced a commanding performance in Round 13 of the Premier Regional League, defeating Montenegrin rivals Jadran Herceg Novi 20–12 in Kotor to secure qualification for the Final Four.
The victory carries additional significance for the Montenegrin champions. Points earned in the Regional League will be transferred into the domestic championship phase, and by defeating Jadran in both league meetings this season, Primorac will begin the Montenegrin title race with a six-point advantage over their biggest rivals.
Despite the final scoreline, Jadran began the match strongly. The visitors raced into a 4–1 lead within the opening six minutes, putting the home side under early pressure. Primorac responded before the end of the first quarter to reduce the deficit, but Jadran briefly restored their cushion early in the second period when Kholod doubled the visitors’ advantage.
That moment sparked Primorac into life. The hosts quickly imposed their rhythm, scoring three consecutive goals to move ahead 6–5. Jadran equalised at 6–6, but Primorac maintained control and closed the half with a two-goal lead.
The decisive stretch came in the third quarter. After Merkulov pulled Jadran back within one goal at 9–8, Primorac delivered a devastating run. The Kotor side scored seven goals and conceded only two before the end of the period, opening up a commanding 15–10 lead heading into the final quarter.
From there, Primorac never looked back. The hosts continued to dominate in the fourth period, extending their advantage to eight goals and sealing a comprehensive 20–12 victory.
Marko Mrsic and Yusuke Inaba led the scoring for Primorac with four goals each, while Djuro Radovic and Balsa Vuckovic added three apiece. For Jadran, Janovic, Gojkovic, Kholod and Valera each scored twice.
In the other completed match of the round, Radnicki cruised to a comfortable 15–6 victory over Crvena Zvezda in Belgrade. The visitors set the tone early with a 4–1 opening quarter and were already 6–1 ahead midway through the second period. Zvezda briefly reduced the deficit before half-time, but Radnicki pulled away decisively in the second half, highlighted by a five-goal run early in the third quarter. Valiko Dadvani was the top scorer with three goals.
Two matches conclude Round 13 on Wednesday, when Partizan host Buducnost One and Sabac Elixir face Novi Beograd.
Premier Regional League standings (Round 13)
- Radnicki – 13 – 34pts
- Primorac – 13 – 28pts
- Jadran m:tel – 13 – 25pts
- Novi Beograd – 12 – 23pts
- Sabac Elixir – 12 – 22pts
- Crvena Zvezda – 12 – 9pts
- Partizan – 12 – 6pts
- Buducnost One – 12 – 3pts
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