ABA Liga: Crvena Zvezda Tops Partizan, Now 9-0
It was a busy weekend at the ABA Liga as four games were played out in Round 9 action. Undoubtedly, the highlight game of the round was played on Saturday in Belgrade as the two most popular clubs took to the hardwood in the latest chapter of the Eternal Derby. On November 24th Crvena Zvezda “Red Star” collided with long-time rivals BC Partizan. The highly anticipated game did not disappoint their energized fans who trooped to the arena in support of their beloved teams.
Crvena Zvezda would prove victorious in the end 77-71 as they celebrated their ninth straight victory in the league and are the only team to remain undefeated. The loss was a bitter pill to swallow for Partizan. Not only did they have to leave losing to their rivals, but they also fell in the standings to sixth place with a 4-5 record.
Stratos Perperoglou was nigh unstoppable for Red Star as he dropped a game-high 25 points and even accounted for five of the team’s 10 3-pointers. He both set the tone and paved the way on the offensive end for his team to squeeze out the victory. As always, Joe Ragland came through for the red and whites with another solid performance as he dropped 19 points and six assists to help quarterback his team for the win.
The win was not all about offense, however, as control of the glass played a pivotal role in the outcome of the game. Crvena Zvezda outrebounded Partizan 35 to 25 and some of those eight offensive rebounds translated into second-chance points that helped swing momentum of a tight game such as this one.
Jock Landale was the top performer for Partizan with 18 points and five boards.
This game goes to Crvena Zvezda and it was a well-deserved win. The team has been cruising in the ABA Liga and also has remained quite competitive in their stint in the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague.
The round is not yet over, with two more games yet to be played tonight. Here are the results of the completed games so far.
November 24
Mega Bemax 82-80 KK Cibona
Petrol Olimpija 88-86 FMP
November 25
KK Cedevita 104-75 Krka Novo Mesto