SRB - Novi Sad shock Zdravlje in opener

BELGRADE (Serbian Championship) - Novi Sad posted a surprise 81-66 victory at Zdravlje in the first preliminary round of the Serbian Championship on Sunday.

Marko Sutalo scored 33 points on eight of 12 shooting from the floor for Novi Sad, who won despite making converting just four of 23 attempts from three-point range.

Branko Jereminov top-scored for the home side, who crucially lost the final session 27-16.

"Before the season started, I said we'll participate in a very interesting competition," said Novi Sad coach Dragan Torbica. "My players showed that after playing with full concentration and great defense in the fourth quarter."

Predrag Markovic scored 35 points and team-mate Ojan Radetic had a game-winning dunk in the final seconds as Borac edged out Masinac 85-84.

Perica Mitic's decisive free throws handed Radnicki 034 a 90-88 victory over Radnicki Invest, while former Serbian & Montenegro international Dejan Tomasevic also made crucial shots at the charity stripe as Napredak beat Sloga 90-88.

Elsewhere, Swisslion Takovo got 18 points from Vukasin Aleksic's to record a 78-68 victory over Vizura, while Mega Aqua Monte defeated Ergonom 84-79.

Results of 1st round:
Zdravlje v Novi Sad 66-81
Sloga v Napredak Rubin 88-90
Mega Aqua Monte v Ergonom 84-79
Radnicki Invest v Radnicki 034 88-90
Borac v Mašinac 85-84
Swisslion Takovo v Vizura 78-69

FIBA