By Nikola Miloradovic / info@eurohoops.net
Crvena zvezda built a 16-point lead in the third quarter and was still up by 14 early in the fourth, but Partizan then shifted into an all-or-nothing mode in the first Belgrade derby of the EuroLeague season.
The black-and-whites played with an intensity rarely seen from them this year, steadily cutting into the deficit before completing the comeback and securing a 79–76 victory in a packed Belgrade Arena.
Duane Washington emerged as the key figure, taking control in the final two minutes and knocking down the decisive shots, finishing with 25 points.
Isak Bonga also deserves credit for a double-double of 16 points and 11 rebounds, while Tyrique Jones was Partizan’s most efficient player with 15 points, eight rebounds, and four steals for a performance index of 30.
Zvezda struggled to find answers down the stretch. Jordan Nwora and Jared Butler both scored 20 points, with Nwora adding seven rebounds. Butler took the final shot to force overtime, but his tough attempt at the buzzer did not fall.