By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net
From trailing in double-digits for most of the first half, Partizan Mozzart Bet bounced back in style to take down Dubai, 114-97, and advance to the Finals of the AdmiralBet ABA League Playoffs 2025.
Countering the early deficit, a 14-0 run in the third period created the first double-digit advantage for the hosts. Smooth sailing from there for the team guided by legendary tactician Zeljko Obradovic in the decider of a best-of-three semifinal series.
Backed by crowd support in Belgrade Arena, eight players scored in double-digits to convincingly break a 1-1 tie, including Duane Washington Jr. packing a team-high 18 points. Sterling Brown and Carlik Jones added 17 points apiece. Vanja Marinkovic threw in 15 points with 5/5 triples and Tyrique Jones had 14 points with 5/5 two-pointers.
Mitar Bosnjakovic, Arijan Lakic, and Mario Nakic were ruled out for Game 3 by the Belgrade-based club.
On the losing end, Latvian import Davis Bertans stood out with 18 points, including 11 in the first quarter. Nate Mason followed with 16 points.
ABA Playoffs
Quarterfinals (best of three)
Buducnost VOLI – Mega Superbet 2-0 (96-80, 92-87)
Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet – Igokea m:tel 2-0 (87-77, 95-90)
Partizan Mozzart Bet – Spartak Office Shoes 2-0 (100-75, 82-75)
Dubai – Cedevita Olimpija 2-1 (86-85, 89-94, 85-76)
Semifinals (best of three)
Buducnost VOLI – Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet 1-1 (104-70, 81-100)
Partizan Mozzart Bet – Dubai 2-1 (102-72, 95-100, 114-97)
Finals (best of five)
Partizan Mozzart Bet – Buducnost VOLI / Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet
Photo Credit: ABA-Liga.com