Crvena Zvezda defeated Partizan by 88:86 in the ABA League Round 18. Yago dos Santos scored the game-winning basket.
Crvena Zvezda had a better start to the game than their opponents, quickly establishing a double-digit lead by 15:4 in the early stages of the match. Despite Partizan finding a better offensive rhythm later on, Crvena Zvezda managed to extend a significant advantage towards the end of the first quarter, leading by 28:15.
The visiting team had a disastrous start to the second quarter, and Crvena Zvezda took advantage, building a 21-point lead (46:25). Partizan showed a better performance towards the end of the first half, but they were unable to significantly reduce the substantial deficit, with the score standing at 55:38.
In the third quarter, Partizan improved its defensive approach, having several opportunities to reduce the deficit to single digits. However, Crvena Zvezda finished the quarter strong once again, extending their lead to 16 points heading into the final 10 minutes (72:56).
Partizan showed a much-improved offensive performance compared to their opponents in the fourth quarter. After three successful free throws by James Nunnally, the visitors managed to tie the game. However, Yago dos Santos scored the winning basket on the other end in the final seconds of the game.
The most effective player for Crvena Zvezda was Joel Bolomboy with 14 points and 13 rebounds. James Nunnally stood out for Partizan with 19 points.
Crvena Zvezda remains in the first position in the ABA League standings with a record of 16-2. Partizan is in the second position with 13 wins and five losses.
CRVENA ZVEZDA – PARTIZAN 88:86 (28:15, 27:23, 17:18, 16:30)
Arena: “Stark arena”, Belgrade
Referees: Pukl, Obrknežević, Radojković
Crvena zvezda: Smart 4, Teodosic 7, Hanga 15, Davidovac 5, Mitrovic 6, Lazic 3, Tobey, Bolomboy 14p 13s, Nedovic 11, Giedraitis 10, Gillespie, Dos Santos 13.
Partizan: LeDay 13, Avramovic 13, Koprivica, Punter 14, Smailagic, Jaramaz 2, Nunnally 19, Trifunovic, Dozier 7, Ponitka, Kaminsky 18, Caboclo.
Play of the Day: Yago dos Santos scoring in traffic for the win against Partizan 🔴⚪️
— Basketball Sphere (@BSphere_) January 28, 2024
Look at the angle – the amonut of toughness on this shoot is amazing 🤯🇧🇷@Ymateus02 #kkcz #kkp #yago #abaleague #zvezda #partizanpic.twitter.com/mBNal7rQQJ