MZT Skopje claimed a hard-fought road win in the Macedonian First League, defeating KK Kozuv 81-73 on October 11, 2026. The visitors used a strong second half to pull away from a stubborn Kozuv side, combining timely three-point shooting with physical defense. The result strengthens MZT Skopje’s position among the league’s top contenders.

Match Overview

KK Kozuv came out with energy, led by their home crowd, and took a narrow 22-19 lead after the first quarter. MZT Skopje responded in the second period, outscoring Kozuv 20-18 to cut the deficit to one at halftime, 40-39. The third quarter was decisive: MZT used an 18-20 edge to take the lead, then closed strong in the fourth with a 21-16 run to secure the 81-73 victory.

Kozuv remained within striking distance until the final minutes, but MZT’s execution in crunch time was superior. The visitors made key stops and converted free throws down the stretch to seal the win.

Key Moments

• First-quarter battle: Kozuv used aggressive drives to take an early lead, but MZT stayed close.
• Second-quarter response: MZT’s guards knocked down back-to-back triples to swing momentum before halftime.
• Third-quarter push: A 7-0 run gave MZT a lead they would not relinquish.
• Fourth-quarter composure: MZT went 8-for-10 from the free-throw line in the final minutes to close out the game.

Tactical Story

MZT Skopje’s offense was patient and balanced, using pick-and-roll actions to create mismatches. They attacked Kozuv’s interior defense and kicked out for open threes when the defense collapsed. Defensively, MZT switched between man-to-man and a compact zone, disrupting Kozuv’s rhythm in the second half.

Kozuv relied heavily on their starting backcourt, which produced several tough baskets, but their offense became stagnant in the fourth quarter. MZT’s rebounding advantage and ability to draw fouls proved crucial in a game that was decided in the final five minutes.

Standout Players

MZT’s leading scorer finished with 20 points and several crucial assists. Their center dominated the paint with a double-double, while the bench provided a timely scoring boost. KK Kozuv’s top scorer fought hard with 18 points, but foul trouble limited his impact late in the game.

Season Impact

This road win is an important result for MZT Skopje in the Macedonian First League, reinforcing their title ambitions. KK Kozuv showed they can compete with top teams but must improve their late-game execution. The head-to-head advantage could matter in the standings race later in the season.