Fazi hold on for 48-44 win over Novium/Tremium

In a low-scoring, stop-and-start game in CLN 3's 2025/26 season, Fazi emerged with a 48-44 victory over Novium/Tremium at OŠ "Ivo Andrić" Niš. The contest — a tactical battle more than an offensive showcase — swung on a decisive fourth-quarter run and a clutch finish from the free-throw line.

The pattern was clear early: both teams traded blows in the first quarter and Novium/Tremium took control in the second, turning a tied opener into a multi-possession advantage by halftime. That advantage largely rested on the industrious work of Jovan Filipović, who finished with a game-high 23 points and 15 rebounds, repeatedly forcing opportunities in the paint and at the line.

But the complexion changed after the break. Fazi chipped away in the third and then unleashed a 21-point fourth quarter to overturn the deficit. The momentum flip began when Nikola Jovanović drilled back-to-back threes early in the final period, and it picked up pace as Milorad Pejić finished off drives and buried a timely triple that gave his side breathing room. Key defensive possessions and offensive rebounds — notably from Stefan Ristić and Milan Tripković — helped fuel the comeback.

For Fazi, the game’s official player of the match was Mladen Stolić, who battled on the boards and contributed 10 points and 8 rebounds while showing the sort of physical, efficient play that steadied his team when it mattered. Veljko Đorđević and Aleksandar Trajković also made important scoring contributions, with Trajković’s late free throws — including the final pair with 10 seconds left — sealing the result.

Novium/Tremium had bright spots beyond Filipović. Nikola Mitić provided energy inside with 8 points and 6 rebounds, and Milan Tripković cleaned the glass with a 12-rebound night. Still, missed opportunities and a dry spell in the fourth allowed Fazi to overturn the deficit and control the closing minutes.

Ultimately this game will be remembered as a defensive struggle won by timely plays rather than fireworks. Fazi’s late aggression on both ends, matched with composed free-throw shooting to finish, earned them a hard-fought 48-44 victory in Round 5 of the season.

This post is generated by AI.