Cyber EuroCup Shock: Nikolay Petkov’s Bourg Stuns Dejan Raicevic’s Buducnost to Force Game 3
- EuroCup
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Cyber EuroCup Drama: Nikolay Petkov and JL Bourg Flip the Script on Dejan Raicevic’s Buducnost in Game 2 Stunner
What looked like a routine sweep turned into a full-blown Cyber EuroCup upset as 16th seed Nikolay Petkov, the former CSKA Sofia and Lokomotiv Plovdiv pro
from Sofia, Bulgaria, led JL Bourg-en-Bresse to a stunning 67-49 win over the tournament’s No.1 seed Dejan Raicevic and Buducnost VOLI Podgorica. With the series now tied 1-1, a do-or-die Game 3 looms large.
Raicevic, a 2K national team player for Montenegro and long-time fan-favorite from Podgorica, entered the series with an 18-3 regular season record and heavy expectations. Petkov, who only just squeaked into the playoffs with an 8-13 record, has now blown the bracket wide open.
Game 1 Recap: Dejan’s Dominance on Display
Game 1 followed the script. Buducnost controlled the tempo from the tip, claiming a 65-55 victory. Raicevic’s team played suffocating defense with 18 steals and 2 blocks, while also dominating second chance opportunities and getting strong bench production (34 points).
F. Magee led Buducnost with 14 points and 5 assists, while M. Wright IV added 12 points, including 7/7 from the free-throw line. On the JL Bourg side, J. Pansa battled hard with 11 points and 14 rebounds, but poor shooting (37% FG) and turnover issues (25) doomed Petkov’s squad.
Game 2 Recap: Bourg’s Revenge – and a Tactical Collapse
Everything flipped in Game 2. JL Bourg responded with fire, jumping out to a 28-7 second quarter to rip control away from Buducnost. Despite Buducnost leading 17-9 after the first, Petkov’s side seized the lead and never looked back. The French side won 67-49 in what can only be described as a tactical masterclass.
Dejan’s Buducnost shot just 26% from the field, an abysmal 19-of-72, and a horrific 20% from three-point range (9/44). The lack of shot creation and decision-making plagued the Montenegrin side, while JL Bourg cruised with 42% shooting and a whopping 50 points in the paint.
K. Kokila led Bourg with 14 points and 4 boards, while M. Salash controlled the glass with 12 rebounds. Petkov's squad balanced scoring and kept turnovers under control, limiting Buducnost’s transition game.
Why Dejan Lost Game 2: Offense Imploded, Defense Softened
Dejan Raicevic’s Buducnost lost their edge. After forcing 25 turnovers in Game 1, they could only manage 15 steals and 2 blocks in Game 2. Their interior defense collapsed, allowing 50 points in the paint. Offensively, Raicevic’s squad hoisted 44 threes with only 9 makes—a clear breakdown in shot selection.
Bench performance and ball movement also dipped. Only 15 assists were recorded, and no player outside of D. Jovanovic reached double digits efficiently. Raicevic’s team never adapted to Bourg’s change in pace and spacing.
What Nikolay Must Do to Win Game 3
To pull off the upset of the tournament, Nikolay Petkov must replicate his Game 2 formula: control the paint, spread the scoring, and limit turnovers. Slowing the game down and keeping Buducnost under 70 will be vital. Bourg must continue to force Dejan’s squad into tough, early shots while punishing them in transition.
What Dejan Must Do to Survive
For Dejan Raicevic, it’s about adjustments. He must reduce the volume of three-pointers, run more structured half-court offense, and refocus on interior dominance like in Game 1. Defensive pressure needs to return to elite levels—Raicevic’s team thrives when the game is chaotic.
A return to form by shooters and more discipline in offensive execution could be the difference. If Buducnost gets their identity back, they still remain favorites.
