By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
The classic Serbian ABA League battle went into hands colored in Red and White. Crvena Zvezda beat its arch-rivals 83 – 72 in a manner which was perhaps easier than what the final score portrays.
They remain perfect in the ABA season so far, holding the first place of the standings together with Buducnost.
Charles Jenkins was the protagonist for Red Star with 19 points with Luka Mitrovic contributing a double-double of 12 points and 10 rebounds, while also dishing 4 assists. Branko Lazic had 11 and Milko Bjelica 9.
From the losing side, Will Hatcher scored 16 points and Novica Velickovic 11 plus 7 rebounds. With a 2 – 6 record, Partizan remains at the second place of the standings tied with Cibona.
Even though Partizan entered the match strong enough to hold a 20 – 23 advantage after the first quarter, coach Radonjic’s players lashed out over their opponents in the second period with a 28 – 16 partial score which made them bosses of the game.
Their hold in the lead was permanent, since they dominated the rest of the match as well, taking even a 21-point difference, 67 – 46 eight minutes into the second half. Partizan lacked the quality and strength to fight back in order to avert its unfavorable situation, managing only to reduce their deficit a bit near the end.
Zvezda and Buducnost are the only teams left with a 8-0 record, followed by Cibona and Partizan at 6-2.
ABA LIGA 2016-17 – 8 DAY
FMP-Karpos Sokoli 67-62
Crvena Zvezda-Partizan 83-72
Cedevita-Mornar Bar 99-73
MZT Skopje-Un.Olimpija 97-96
Buducnost -Cibona 95-79
Mega Leks-Krka 95-96
Zadar-Igokea 83-90