

In a thrilling encounter of the Macedonian First League, KK Pelister held off a fierce challenge from MZT Skopje to secure an 81–76 victory at home on May 11, 2026. The result keeps Pelister in the hunt for a strong playoff position, while MZT Skopje will look to bounce back after a narrow defeat in which they fought until the final buzzer.
Match Overview
The game was played at a high tempo from the opening tip. Pelister, buoyed by their home crowd, came out aggressively and established a solid lead in the first half. MZT Skopje, known for their disciplined defense, stayed within striking distance thanks to sharpshooting from beyond the arc. The visitors mounted a spirited comeback in the third quarter, cutting the deficit to just three points heading into the final period.
Key Moments
- First Half Dominance: Pelister’s frontcourt dominated the paint early, scoring 22 points in the lane before halftime.
- MZT's Rally: The visitors opened the third quarter with a 12–4 run, fueled by two quick three-pointers from their guard tandem.
- Clutch Free Throws: In the final minute, Pelister’s veteran point guard sank four consecutive free throws to seal the win.
Standout Performers
Pelister’s leading scorer finished with 24 points and 8 rebounds, providing a steady inside presence. MZT Skopje’s top performer recorded a double-double with 18 points and 11 assists, nearly sparking a comeback single-handedly. The home team’s bench also contributed 28 crucial points, outscoring MZT’s reserves by 10.
Table Impact
With this victory, Pelister improves to 12–8 on the season, solidifying fourth place in the Macedonian First League standings. MZT Skopje slips to 10–10, remaining in sixth position but now just two games ahead of the relegation zone. The result tightens the race for the final playoff spots, with only four games remaining in the regular season.
