EUROBASKET QUALIFIERS

The Slovak Republic almost clawed back a 19-point deficit against Montenegro on Monday but slumped to a fifth defeat in as many games.

The Montenegrins prevailed 94-81 for their fifth consecutive victory.

Late in the third quarter and Luka Pavicevic's team appeared to be cruising with a 65-46 lead.

The Montenegrins then took their foot off the pedal, though, and it almost cost them dear as the Slovakians charged back.

Anton Gavel took his points haul to 18 with a basket that reduced the Montenegrin lead to 70-56 by the end of the third quarter.

A Michal Batka jump shot pulled the Slovakians to within 77-73 with 4:47 to go.

A Gavel three-ball reduced deficit to 79-76.

Taylor Rochestie calmed the Montenegrin nerves by nailing a jumper for his first two points of the contest for an 81-76 advantage with 3:26 to play.

After a minute and a half without either team scoring, Montenegro's Bojan Dubljevic drew a foul and made two free-throws for an 83-76 advantage.

Jozef Vojtek replied immediately for Slovakia to cut the gap to five, but Milko Bjelica answered with lay-up and then drilled a three-pointer as Montenegro went back in front by 10.

Slovakia got no closer than seven the rest of the way.

Gavel had 23 points to lead all scorers with his Slovakian teammate Dusan Pandula contributing 20.

Suad Sehovic led a balanced Montenegro attack with 16 points.