Pelister secured a hard-fought 78-70 home victory over KK TFT Skopje in the Macedonian First League on October 5, 2026, using a decisive fourth-quarter run to turn a tight contest into an eight-point win. The result gives Pelister an important boost in the early-season standings, while TFT are left to regroup after a competitive road performance that slipped away in the final minutes.

Match Overview

• Competition: Macedonian First League
• Match: Pelister vs KK TFT Skopje
• Date: October 5, 2026
• Tip-off: 01:00
• Final score: Pelister 78, KK TFT Skopje 70
• Result: Pelister win

Played in Bitola, the game matched Pelister’s home-court intensity against TFT’s disciplined half-court approach. The eight-point margin reflects how competitive the night was: neither side allowed the other to pull away until the closing stretch, when Pelister found the extra defensive stops and transition baskets that decided the game.

How the Game Unfolded

Pelister started with purpose, attacking the rim early and forcing TFT into contested jump shots. The home side built a 20-16 lead after the first quarter, leaning on aggressive perimeter defense and second-chance points. TFT responded well in the second period, slowing the tempo and finding success through ball movement, which helped them win the quarter 20-18 and cut the halftime deficit to 38-36.

The third quarter remained a tactical battle. Pelister regained a small cushion by winning the period 19-17, but TFT stayed within striking distance thanks to timely three-point shooting and free throws. Entering the fourth quarter at 57-53, the game was still very much in the balance.

• First quarter: Pelister 20-16
• Second quarter: KK TFT Skopje 20-18
• Third quarter: Pelister 19-17
• Fourth quarter: Pelister 21-17
• Halftime: Pelister 38-36
• Final: Pelister 78-70

Key Moments and Turning Points

The turning point arrived midway through the fourth quarter. With Pelister leading by only two points, the home side strung together a 9-2 run built on defensive rebounds, quick outlet passes, and finishes in transition. That burst pushed the advantage to nine and forced TFT to call timeout. Out of the break, TFT found a couple of good looks from beyond the arc, but Pelister answered each time at the free-throw line and with timely offensive rebounds.

Another crucial moment came in the final three minutes. TFT had trimmed the lead to five, but Pelister’s half-court defense forced two straight turnovers, turning both into points at the other end. From there, the home team controlled the clock and closed out the game with composure.

Tactical Story: Defense and Tempo

Pelister’s game plan was built on defensive pressure and controlling the defensive glass. They switched aggressively on screens, limited TFT’s clean looks from the corner, and pushed the pace whenever possible. That approach paid off in the fourth quarter, when TFT’s legs appeared heavier and Pelister’s transition game became the difference.

TFT preferred a more patient half-court offense, using ball screens and pick-and-pop actions to create open shots. For three quarters, that strategy worked well. They moved the ball effectively and kept the game close, but they struggled to generate easy baskets late. Pelister’s ability to contest shots without fouling gave them a decisive edge in the final period.

Standout Performers

Pelister’s backcourt set the tone on both ends. The guards applied full-court pressure, created steals, and pushed the tempo, while also knocking down important shots in the fourth quarter. Pelister’s frontcourt controlled the boards, especially on the defensive end, and provided a steady inside presence that TFT found difficult to match.

For KK TFT Skopje, the leading scorers kept the team within reach for most of the night. Their perimeter shooting and patient ball movement caused problems for Pelister’s defense, and their resilience on the road was evident. In the end, however, TFT could not find enough stops during Pelister’s decisive run.

Macedonian First League Standings and Season Impact

The win strengthens Pelister’s position in the Macedonian First League standings and gives them valuable momentum early in the campaign. Home victories against direct rivals are especially important in a league where tiebreakers and head-to-head results can shape playoff seeding. Pelister will take confidence from the way they closed the game, particularly their defensive execution under pressure.

For KK TFT Skopje, the lo