Nikola Vucevic delivered a vintage all-around performance as Montenegro snapped their EuroBasket 2025 slump with an 87-81 victory over Sweden in Tampere.
The veteran center finished with 23 points, 15 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 blocks for an efficiency rating of 40.
Montenegro led 40-34 at halftime after a physical opening 20 minutes that featured contributions from Vladimir Mihailovic and Emir Hadzibegovic.
Sweden roared back in the third quarter, outscoring Montenegro 31-24 to seize a 65-64 edge heading into the fourth.
With the game tightening in the final minutes, Kyle Allman poured in 10 quick points to push Montenegro ahead 80-77 with 1:50 remaining. Montenegro then held their nerve down the stretch, closing out the win behind disciplined offense and timely defense.
Pelle Larsson did his best to will Sweden forward, finishing with a team-high 28 points in defeat. Sweden’s late surge and Larsson’s scoring kept the game tense until the final possession.
The result gives Montenegro its first victory at EuroBasket 2025 and keeps their Round of 16 hopes alive heading into the final group-stage games. Montenegro now must build on this momentum as they aim to climb the Group B standings.
Montenegro will next face Great Britain in their remaining group fixture, a game that could determine whether they reach the knockout stage.
Sweden, meanwhile, must regroup quickly if they want to salvage their own Round of 16 ambitions.
