In a tightly contested Club Friendship international basketball friendly, North Macedonia edged out Bulgaria 91–87 on June 26, 2026. The game, played at a neutral venue, provided both teams with valuable preparation ahead of upcoming competitive fixtures. North Macedonia’s sharp three-point shooting down the stretch proved decisive, while Bulgaria fought hard but fell just short in a back-and-forth affair.

Match Overview

The Club Friendship series often features national teams looking to fine-tune rotations and build chemistry. North Macedonia and Bulgaria, both emerging basketball nations in the Balkans, used this match to test their rosters. Tip-off was at midnight local time (00:00), and a spirited crowd enjoyed an up-tempo game with plenty of offensive highlights.

First Half: Bulgaria Sets the Pace

Bulgaria came out firing, using their size advantage in the paint to score easy baskets. They led by as many as 10 points in the first quarter, with their power forward dominating inside. North Macedonia struggled early with turnovers, but a late run in the second quarter cut the deficit to 47–42 at halftime.

Second Half: North Macedonia's Comeback

After the break, North Macedonia adjusted their defense, switching to a zone that slowed Bulgaria’s interior scoring. Their guards began hitting from deep, and by the end of the third quarter, they had taken a slim 72–70 lead. The final period was a nail-biter, with neither team leading by more than 4 points. With under two minutes to play, North Macedonia’s captain drilled a contested three-pointer to make it 89–84. Bulgaria responded with a quick layup, but a pair of free throws sealed the 91–87 win for North Macedonia.

Key Performers

• North Macedonia: Shooting guard scored 26 points, including 5 three-pointers. Point guard added 9 assists and 4 steals.
• Bulgaria: Center registered 22 points and 13 rebounds. Small forward chipped in 18 points, but foul trouble limited his minutes in the fourth quarter.

Strategic Observations

Bulgaria dominated the boards (42–31) but committed 18 turnovers, many of which led to North Macedonia fast-break points. North Macedonia shot 40% from three-point range, while Bulgaria managed only 28%. The difference in perimeter efficiency ultimately decided the game.

Looking Ahead

Both teams will take positives from this friendly. North Macedonia’s ability to rally from a double-digit deficit shows resilience, while Bulgaria’s interior game remains a strength. These sides could meet again in regional tournaments later this year, and this tight contest sets the stage for future rivalries.