2026 World Cup Pre-Qualifiers: Montenegro nip Mexico, both advance into semifinal stage

Mexico - Montenegro 71-74 (OT)

Montenegro claimed the third straight win at the 2026 World Cup Pre-Qualifiers in Mexico. They nipped the hosts to win Group B at 3-0 record. Both Montenegro and Mexico made it into the semifinal stage of the pre-qualifiers. Milica Jovanovic (189-F-1989) stepped up with impressive 29 points and 9 rebounds to pace the Balkan team.
Montenegro jumped off to a 16-7 lead after ten minutes. But Mexico slowly narrowed the gap and eventually denied the deficit in the fourth period. Gabriela Jaquez (183-F-2003) gave Mexico a 62-60 lead with 37 seconds left in regulation. But Milica Jovanovic responded with a layup to send the game into overtime. Montenegro unloaded 12 points in the extra period and got away with with a narrow win at the end. Dragana Zivkovic (183-SG-2001) delivered 13 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. Gabriela Jaquez responded with 26 points and 8 rebounds for Mexico.