Before the game, it was clear that both teams were in a fighting spirit. The determination to compete could be seen on the face of every player. This was yet another match in the eternal derby between the Serbian teams Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade and Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade.

But when the game started, it became evident that both teams were nervous. Both teams experienced streaks of play. However, there were many mistakes in the first quarter, and as a result, neither Partizan nor Zvezda managed to take the lead — 18:18.

The first half of the second period unfolded similarly, and as a logical consequence, the score remained tied until Zvezda encountered problems in attack. Eventually, Partizan began to pull ahead, but Zvezda kept close behind.

Zvezda’s problems continued with three-point shooting, which Partizan took advantage of and, for the first time six minutes before the end of the third quarter, achieved a double-digit lead — 48:38. However, it took Zvezda less than two minutes to recover from the double-digit deficit. Four minutes before the end of the match, they made a run and closed the gap to 49:47. Zvezda’s improved play continued, and two minutes before the end of the third quarter, the momentum fully shifted, and the red-and-whites took the lead with a score of 51:49.

Zvezda’s streak was broken by a three-pointer from Sterling Brown. Before the fourth quarter, Partizan still held the lead, but now with a score of 57:56, while Zvezda was much more satisfied with the third quarter, which they won 24:18. Both teams entered the fourth quarter in a competitive state. They did not allow their opponents to make a run.

Then, Partizan equalized the score with three-pointers from Vana Marinović and Sterling Brown and led 73:67 four minutes before the end. Then Sterling Brown hit another three-pointer, and three and a half minutes before the end, Partizan increased the lead to +8 — 76:68. To make matters worse for Zvezda, during that period they failed to convert three out of four free throws.

The final score of Round 28 of the ABA League was 85:77 in favor of the black-and-whites.

Photo: Dragana Stjepanovic/Partizan