By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
It was a tough game, a battle for every possession. Partizan led most of the way and seemed to have the upper hand in the end, but then Will Clyburn took center stage.
The experienced American forward, known for his clutch performances, sank a three-pointer from well beyond the arc to hand Barcelona a 78–76 win over Partizan in Belgrade.
For Barcelona, Toko Shengelia led the way with 24 points, five rebounds, and five assists, posting an impressive PIR of 42. Will Clyburn followed with 14 points, including the game-winner, while former Partizan players Kevin Punter and Jan Vesely added 10 points each, and Tomas Satoransky scored 11.
On the other side, Tyrique Jones fought valiantly with 15 points, 13 rebounds, and seven assists (PIR 29), while Dwayne Washington Jr. scored 21 points, leading Partizan’s charge in the final minutes. Nick Calathes made his debut for the Serbian team, dishing out three assists in under seven minutes, while Jabari Parker didn’t play.
It was a game of runs in the first half. Barcelona pulled away to an 18–10 lead in the first quarter, but Partizan then started a push that carried over into the second period, turning into a 17–0 run. The visitors managed to tie the score at 29 midway through the second quarter, but Partizan regained control and went into halftime leading 41–33.
Barcelona refused to back down and tied the score at 45–45 after the break. From that point on, it was a tough battle for every possession until the final moments, when Clyburn took over and sank the game-winning bucket.