ABA League: Red Star and Partizan notch wins

Round 24 of the ABA League 2016-17 regular season was about the rich getting richer, with top teams securing wins and solidifying their hold of the top spots. League leader, Crvena Zvezda “Red Star” Belgrade took home a blowout win over Slovenia’s Union Olimpija Ljubljana, 88-67. Another solid defensive effort allowed them to dominate this game from start to finish. The Serbian powerhouse put enough pressure that Union Olimpija ended up committing 18 turnovers in this game. Red Star rushed to a 36-22 lead at the end

Crvena Zvezda vs. Union Olimpija, 88-67

League leader, Crvena Zvezda “Red Star” Belgrade took home a blowout win over Slovenia’s Union Olimpija Ljubljana, 88-67. Another solid defensive effort allowed them to dominate this game from start to finish. The Serbian powerhouse put enough pressure that Union Olimpija ended up committing 18 turnovers in this game. Red Star rushed to a 36-22 lead at the end of the first quarter and did not look back.

Petar Rakicevic led the victors with 14 points. Nate Wolters did a good job at the helm with 12 points and eight assists.

Union Olimpija’s Nikola Jankovic would end up with a game-high 16 points, leading three other teammates to score in double figures.

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Crvena Zvezda is 23-1 and is a lock to make the Playoffs as the top seed. The tough loss sends Union Olimpija tumbling down to eighth place in the standings with their 10-14 slate. They will need to both bounce back and get a very lucky, very soon.

Mega Leks vs. BC Partizan, 80-87

Red Star was not the only Serbian team to enjoy the sweet taste of victory. Their domestic rivals, BC Partizan edged out Mega Leks in a much closer game, 80-87. This was a fast-paced game with both clubs opting to run and gun until things settled down when defenses were tightened. Partizan’s dominance on the glass and more efficient shooting from close range gave them the edge in this game.

Partizan’s duo of Stefan Bircevic and Mihajlo Andric would lead the way with 20 points each.

Alpha Kaba was the top scorer for Mega Leks with 18 points. Rade Zagorac added 16 points as well.

Partizan currently sports the same win-loss record as Cedevita at 18-6. Both clubs are a distant second and third place, trailing the Red Star. Mega Leks is out of the running for a spot in the post-season with their 9-15 record. They are in 10th place in the ABA League standings.