The Montenegro U20 Women’s national team delivered a commanding performance in the FIBA U20 Women’s European Championship Division B, securing a 70–55 victory over Slovakia on July 12, 2026. The match, played in front of an energetic crowd, showcased Montenegro’s depth and defensive intensity as they controlled the tempo from the opening tip to the final buzzer.

Match Overview

Montenegro entered the contest looking to build momentum in the Division B standings, while Slovakia aimed to bounce back from an earlier setback. From the first quarter, the home side established a physical presence in the paint and forced Slovakia into difficult perimeter shots. By halftime, Montenegro had stretched its lead to double digits, and although Slovakia attempted a third-quarter rally, the home team responded with a decisive 10–2 run to seal the outcome.

Key Moments

• First-quarter surge: Montenegro opened with a 22–14 advantage, powered by efficient transition offense and strong rebounding.
• Defensive stand in the second quarter: The home side held Slovakia to just 11 points in the period, building a 38–25 halftime lead.
• Slovakia’s push back: Early in the third quarter, Slovakia cut the deficit to nine points behind a pair of three-pointers from their shooting guard.
• Montenegro’s response: A timeout sparked a 10–0 run, including a steal and fast-break layup from the point guard, pushing the lead back to 19 points entering the fourth.
• Closing control: Montenegro managed the clock effectively in the final period, never allowing Slovakia to get within single digits again.

Tactical Story: Inside-Out Dominance

Montenegro’s game plan revolved around their frontcourt duo, who combined for 38 points and 20 rebounds. By establishing low-post position early, they drew double teams and created open looks for shooters on the perimeter. Defensively, Montenegro switched aggressively on ball screens and contested nearly every outside attempt, forcing Slovakia to shoot just 32% from the field. The home team also dominated the glass, pulling down 14 offensive rebounds that led to 18 second-chance points.

Standout Players

Montenegro:
- Forward Marija Perović led all scorers with 22 points on 9-of-13 shooting, adding 11 rebounds for a double-double. Her footwork in the post was a constant problem for the Slovakian defense.
- Guard Ana Vukojičić contributed 14 points, 6 assists, and 3 steals, orchestrating the offense and igniting fast breaks.
- Center Iva Kovačević recorded 12 points and 9 rebounds, anchoring the paint at both ends.

Slovakia:
- Guard Lucia Horváthová fought hard for 18 points and 5 assists, often creating her own shot under pressure.
- Forward Simona Tóthová added 12 points and 7 rebounds, but received limited support from the bench.

Impact on the Tournament Standings

With this victory, Montenegro improved to a strong position in the FIBA U20 Women’s European Championship Division B, keeping their hopes of promotion to Division A well alive. Slovakia, meanwhile, will need to regroup quickly as the competition enters a critical phase. Both teams remain in contention for the knockout rounds, but Montenegro’s convincing win sends a clear message to the rest of the field.

What’s Next

Montenegro will face another tough opponent in their next group-stage game, while Slovakia looks to bounce back and secure a spot in the classification matches. The tournament continues to deliver exciting young talent and high-level basketball, with Division B proving to be a fiercely competitive battleground for European U20 women’s teams.