TraceOne 72 - Codeus/Nistruct 66 | Corporate Kup 2026

In a tightly fought opening-round contest of the Corporate Kup 2026, TraceOne edged past Codeus/Nistruct 72–66 at OŠ "Ivo Andrić" Niš. The match unfolded as a study in midrange patience, disciplined rebounding and late-game composure.

TraceOne built a comfortable cushion through the first half, leading 31–20 at the break. The visitors repeatedly struggled to find consistent answers to TraceOne’s interior presence and ball movement, with early buckets from Kocić Lazar and a timely two from Guteša Nebojša setting the tone.

The third quarter saw TraceOne push the margin further; a series of high-percentage looks and offensive rebounds turned a manageable lead into a two-possession advantage, 49–34, before Codeus/Nistruct began chipping away thanks to a string of threes from Mičković Petar.

Codeus/Nistruct staged a serious fourth-quarter revival. Behind the scoring of Mičković Petar and a physical presence from Novićević Miloš, they trimmed the deficit to four (69–65) with 33 seconds remaining after a cold-blooded triple. But TraceOne answered in the clutch: two free throws from Guteša Nebojša at 28 seconds pushed the lead back to six, and a final pair of free throws by Stevanović Darko sealed the result.

Statistical leaders underlined the story. Guteša Nebojša was named player of the game after a complete line: 20 points, 12 rebounds, 7 assists and an efficiency rating of 29. Mičković Petar carried much of the comeback bid with 24 points, including six triples. Other notable contributions came from Kocić Lazar (16 points, 8 rebounds on heavy minutes), Stevanović Darko (16 points, 9 rebounds and several timely threes) and Novićević Miloš (15 points and a knack for getting to the line).

On the tactical side, TraceOne relied on interior defense and crashing the glass to create extra possessions. Guteša Nebojša anchored those efforts with a dozen defensive rebounds and steady facilitation from the post. Codeus/Nistruct’s response centered on perimeter shooting; when Mičković Petar was hot from behind the arc they looked capable of overturning the deficit, but missed opportunities and a couple of late turnovers ultimately cost them.

This contest will be remembered for its late drama and for TraceOne’s ability to execute under pressure. Both teams showed strengths to build on as the Corporate Kup advances, but TraceOne leaves Niš with the narrow victory and a statement about finishing games.

This post is generated by AI.