Crvena Zvezda tops Partizan 83-72 at ABA Liga

Serbian basketball juggernauts,  Crvena Zvezda “Red Star” Telekom Beograd and BC Partizan NiS Beograd took to the hardwood to clash in yet another derby game. The stage for this encounter would be played out in the Adriatic League (ABA Liga). This exciting and action-packed game resulted in Red Star managing to preserve their perfect 8-0 with a 83-72 win over their rivals. They are currently in second place, sharing the lead with Buducnost (8-0). This is only the second loss for Partizan in the ABA Liga this season (6-2), and they are currently in third place in the league standings. KK Cibona Zagreb is following closely in fourth place, with an identical 6-2 slate.

Partizan took control of the game in the first quarter and each possession was met with the roars of the fans in attendance. Once both teams got settled down and their offenses were clicking, it was Partizan that would come out ahead by three points, 20-23, at the end of the first quarter. The second frame told a very different story. Momentum shifted to the side of Crvena Zvezda, as their aggressive play was rewarded with frequent trips to the free-throw line. Red Star turned the tables on Partizan and claimed the lead for the first half 48-39.

After the halftime break, Crvena Zvezda continued with what they started in the second period. Partizan committed some critical turnovers and could not wrench the lead from the white shirts. The game was blown wide open at this point. With one quarter remaining in regulation, their lead stood at 70-53. In the fourth and final frame, Partizan outscored Red Star, but it was not enough to claim the lead and Red Star continues to remain unbeaten.

A key factor in the game was the gap in trips to and conversions at the free-throw line. Red Star completed 34-of-49 of their shots from the charity stripe, while Partizan made 15-of-17.

Charles Jenkins led Red Star with a game-high 19 points. He connected on both his treys and was a perfect 7-of-7 from the line. Luka Mitrovic and Branko Lazic added 12 and 11 points, respectively.

William Hatcher paced Partizan with 16 points. Novica Velickovic and Branislav Ratkovica chipped in 11 points each.