FMP repeated as the Euroleague Basketball Nike International Junior Tournament champion on Sunday and its star big man Dejan Musli became the first two-time MVP of the competition.
FMP bested Lietuvos Rytas 110-123 in a thrilling final
Game Report
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FMP bested Lietuvos Rytas 110-123 in a thrilling final on center court at the o2 World in Berlin, hours before the Euroleague’s biggest stars were set to take the floor for the title game. The high-scoring NIJT final set a number of finals records, including most points scored in a single quarter, which was set in the first quarter and then improved upon later in the fourth. Musli was named tournament MVP after posting 31 points, 17 rebounds and 3 blocks in the final as FMP finished undefeated. Musli was joined on the all-tournament team by teammate Nenad Miljenovic, Jonas Valanciunis and Augustas Peciukevicius of L. Rytas and Tommaso Ingrosso of Montepaschi Siena.
The NIJT final was a site not to be missed for basketball fans, who saw a pair of young stars shine bright on the big stage as FMP won 110-123. Dejan Musli roared for 31 points, 17 rebounds and 3 blocked shots as he lifted tournament MVP honors for the second year in a row. His teammate, playmaker Nenad Miljenovic, who just turned 16, recorded 17 points, 8 rebounds and 10 assists. Seeing the two of them may well have been a look into the future of Serbian basketball. Musli was too strong and fluid to be stopped underneath. Miljenovic, whose body was less developed than many of his 18-year-old counterparts, displayed a basketball IQ beyond his years, putting the ball where his teammates needed to create opportunities. The only way to stop him was to foul him – and he finished the game with 9 fouls drawn. Both Musli and Miljenovic exited the floor to ovations from the Serbian cheering section, which included the Hemofarm Stada junior team, in the final minute of the game. Hats go off to the runner-up, Lietuvos Rytas, as well, for their part in an exciting final. The record-setting point tally made it the game look like table tennis at times with the ball going back and forth nonstop. The game started with a then-record 34-point quarter by FMP, which would soon be eclipsed when L. Rytas scored 40 in the fourth quarter. Musli won’t be back again due to age, but many are already focusing on what will come from Miljenovic next year.
