Partizan and Studentski centar battled on the court of the “Moraca” arena for the trophy of the fourth edition of the ABA Super Cup, following a three-year hiatus. The “Parni valjak” was defeated after a hard-fought battle, with the final score being 83-81.
With this loss, the black and white team missed out on their 50th jubilee trophy in the club’s history, while Zeljko Obradovic remained at 43 titles in his coaching career.
Željko Obradović je tokom izlaska na parket dočekan aplauzima i ovacijama. pic.twitter.com/T5x11wyrlK
— Basketball Sphere (@BSphere7) September 20, 2023
Studentski centar found ways to score early in the game and capitalized on defensive lapses by Partizan’s basketball players. Thanks to their three-point shooting, they took a 13-9 lead, but Partizan later came alive and brought the game back to a tie. However, the team from Podgorica finished the first period stronger and led 25-22.
After a 5-0 run created by Studentski centar, Coach Obradovic was forced to call a timeout. Partizan responded in kind, but Studentski centar continued to find ways to maintain their lead (35-29). After Aubrey Dawkins scored his 14th point to make it a nine-point lead, another timeout was called from the black and white bench. Partizan mounted a 9-0 run to fully get back into the game, and at halftime, their opponents still held a 42-40 lead.
.@KPJunior_ beats the 3rd quarter buzzer! ⏰#ABASuperCup @PartizanBC pic.twitter.com/wLDbrUGWCw
— AdmiralBet ABA League (@ABA_League) September 20, 2023
Partizan started the second half much more engaged on both ends of the court. P.J. Dozier and Balsa Koprivica played key roles during a 12-3 run, leading to a turnaround and a 50-45 lead. Both teams continued their barrage of three-pointers throughout the third quarter. Kevin Punter led the way on one side, while Borna Kapusta had ready responses. Partizan took a 66-63 lead at the end of the third period, thanks in part to a three-pointer from their captain.
The decisive quarter began with intense battles on both ends of the court, and Dozier once again showcased his brilliance, helping Partizan to a 77-71 lead. When Aleksa Avramovic’s layup extended the lead to nine points, it seemed like the game was sealed. However, Studentski centar pulled off a major surprise by hitting a three-pointer from Kapusta in the final moments, “stealing” the trophy from the black and white team.
WHAT A GAME! @kkscderby have won the 2023 #ABASuperCup as they defeated @PartizanBC in a thrilling ending! pic.twitter.com/zV1A3eYQnq
— AdmiralBet ABA League (@ABA_League) September 20, 2023
The top scorer for the winning team was Aubrey Dawkins with 18 points, while Kenan Kamenjas contributed 14, and the hero for Studentski centar, Borna Kapusta, finished with 10 points.
The captain of the black and white team, Kevin Punter, scored 23 points, Zach LeDay had 13, and P.J. Dozier and James Nunnally each added 11 points.
In the previous three editions of the ABA League Super Cup, the champions were Cedevita Olimpija, Crvena Zvezda, and Partizan. Now, Studentski centar has etched its name among the winners of this regional competition.
PARTIZAN – STUDENTSKI CENTAR 81:83 (22:25, 18:17, 26:21, 15:20)
Dvorana: “Morača”, Podgorica
Sudije: Kardum, Radojković, Mustapić
Partizan: Vukcevic, LeDay 13, Avramovic 3, Koprivica 4, Punter 23, Smailagic, Jaramaz, Nunnally 11, Trifunovic 2, Andjusic 2, Dozier 11, Kaminsky 8
Studentski centar: Bogavac 11, Pavlicevic 3, Hadzibegovic 4, Bacovic 9, Ivisic 2, Dawkins 18, Drobnjak 4, Dreznjak 5, Goranovic, Kamenjas 14, Kapusta 10, Mirkovic 3