MZT Skopje Edges Out KK Madzari in Hard-Fought Macedonian First League Clash

MZT Skopje secured a narrow but crucial 81-76 victory over KK Madzari on May 21, 2026, in a tightly contested Macedonian First League matchup. The win solidified MZT's position near the top of the standings, while Madzari's spirited effort fell just short in front of an electric home crowd.

Match Overview

The game opened with both teams trading baskets, but MZT Skopje’s defensive intensity in the second quarter allowed them to build a modest halftime lead. KK Madzari, known for their fast-paced offense, fought back in the third period, cutting the deficit to just three points entering the final frame. In the fourth quarter, MZT’s experience and clutch shooting proved decisive, as they maintained their composure under pressure to close out the win.

Key Moments

• First Half Surge: MZT Skopje went on a 12-3 run late in the second quarter, turning a one-point game into a 44-36 lead at the break.
• Madzari’s Third-Quarter Push: KK Madzari opened the third quarter with a 9-2 run, tying the game at 53-53 before MZT regained control.
• Clutch Free Throws: In the final minute, MZT converted 6 of 8 free throws to seal the victory, with guard Petar Nikolovski making four straight.

Tactical Story

MZT Skopje’s dominance on the boards (42 rebounds to Madzari’s 31) was a major factor, limiting second-chance opportunities for the visitors. Offensively, MZT relied on ball movement and pick-and-roll actions, which created open looks for their shooters. KK Madzari, meanwhile, struggled with foul trouble, sending MZT to the line 24 times (where they shot 79%). Madzari’s three-point shooting kept them in the game (9-of-22, 41%), but turnover issues (14 giveaways) ultimately cost them.

Standout Players

• MZT Skopje: Forward David Mirković led all scorers with 22 points and 8 rebounds, while guard Luka Stojanovski added 18 points and 6 assists. Center Marko Petrovski contributed a double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds.
• KK Madzari: Point guard Stefan Trajkovski poured in 20 points and dished out 5 assists, and forward Boris Ilievski added 16 points, including four three-pointers.

Season Impact

The victory improved MZT Skopje’s record to 18-5 on the season, keeping them in the hunt for the top spot in the Macedonian First League. For KK Madzari, the loss dropped them to 12-11, but their competitive performance against a powerhouse side shows they remain a dangerous opponent. The two teams are scheduled to meet again in the return fixture later this season.