Match 1: NKA Pecs 69 – 77 Szedeak | Nemzeti Bajnokság I/A

Date: 17 May 2026
Venue: Lauber Dezső Sportcsarnok, Pécs

Match Overview

Szedeak produced a composed road performance to defeat NKA Pecs 77–69 in the Nemzeti Bajnokság I/A on Sunday evening. The visiting side overturned an early deficit with a dominant second half, using a stifling defensive run and balanced scoring to take control of the contest. With this victory, Szedeak strengthened their push for a top-four finish, while NKA Pecs saw their playoff hopes take a significant hit.

First Half: NKA Pecs Start Strong

NKA Pecs came out with intensity, feeding off the home crowd at the Lauber Dezső Sportcsarnok. Guard Márton Bálint scored eight points in the opening quarter, and the hosts built a 22–18 lead after ten minutes. The home side’s pick-and-roll offense created open looks, and forward Gábor Szabó added six rebounds in the first half to help Pecs control the glass.

However, Szedeak gradually found their rhythm. By halftime, they had cut the deficit to 38–36, thanks to steady shooting from guard Dávid Varga (13 points in the half) and a timely three-pointer from Zoltán Molnár just before the buzzer.

Second Half Turning Point

The third quarter belonged entirely to Szedeak. They opened with a 10–2 run, forcing NKA Pecs into four turnovers in the first four minutes. Coach László Kovács adjusted the defense to a 2–3 zone, which disrupted Pecs’ rhythm. Szedeak outscored the hosts 22–14 in the period, taking a 58–52 lead into the fourth.

In the final quarter, NKA Pecs tried to rally behind Bence Horváth, who scored nine points, but Szedeak responded each time. A critical three-point play by Dávid Varga with three minutes left stretched the lead to 72–62, effectively sealing the outcome.

Key Performers

• Dávid Varga (Szedeak): 22 points, 5 assists, 3 steals – the game’s most impactful player.
• Zoltán Molnár (Szedeak): 16 points, 7 rebounds – hit timely shots in the second half.
• Márton Bálint (NKA Pecs): 18 points, 4 assists – lone consistent scorer for the home side.
• Gábor Szabó (NKA Pecs): 10 points, 11 rebounds – double-double effort in defeat.

Tactical Story

Szedeak’s ability to switch from man-to-man to a zone defense in the third quarter proved decisive. NKA Pecs struggled to find open looks against the zone, settling for contested mid-range jumpers. Meanwhile, Szedeak pushed the tempo in transition, exploiting Pecs’ slower guards. The visitors also shot 9-of-21 from three-point range (42.9%), compared to Pecs’ 5-of-19 (26.3%).

Season & Table Impact

With the win, Szedeak improved to a 16–10 record, moving into fourth place in the Nemzeti Bajnokság I/A standings, just one game behind third-placed Alba Fehérvár. For NKA Pecs (12–14), the loss dropped them to seventh, now three games adrift of the playoff spots with six regular-season games remaining. They face a must-win trip to Szolnoki Olaj next Saturday.

Looking Ahead

Szedeak will host cellar-dwellers Kaposvári KK on Wednesday, a game they will be heavily favored to win. NKA Pecs, meanwhile, must regroup quickly if they hope to salvage their season. Coach Tamás Földi said after the match: “We let a great start slip away. Credit to Szedeak – they outworked us in the second half, and that has to change if we want to play postseason basketball.”