Partizan keeps winning energy going, beats Asvel

Partizan has dismantled Asvel at the Belgrade Arena. The Black and White side was convincing from the very start, showing especially good form in the 3rd quarter to secure a 92:71 win. 

Partizan vs Asvel, R22 Euroleague
Photo: J.L.

When things start going well, the course continues running itself. Asvel were competitive only during the opening ten minutes. Their resistance was quickly ran down by Partizan with loud home support. Partizan’s self-esteem ran high after previously beating Crvena zvezda (79:78) in the tense Belgrade derby.

Their winning drive shined the most during the 3rd quarter. After a good amount of buildup in the first half, the Black and Whites kept their offensive packed and began a series that left Asvel without scoring a point for over two minutes. Partizan’s biggest lead was 24 points. 

Despite a relatively low point-count, Trifunović (7)and Avramović (6) proved to be poweful weapons in the Black and White arsenal through transitive participation. Both were praised by coach Obradović after the match. However, the night’s MVP was undoubtedly Punter, having scored 22 points.

The Black and Whites lowered their tempo in the final ten minutes, keeping in mind their next match is in only three days. However, the impression after tonight is that the players of coach Željko Obradović maintain a high level of play, undisturbed by rotations. Their consistency and aggressive style is keeping them competitive for the following rounds. And then, who knows? The fans in Black and White may get their wish after all.

“Partizan were very aggressive. Offence. Defence. We tried to match their energy, but didn’t make it. Congrats to Partizan. (…) The home crowd was incredible, they were like a 6th man tonight.“, said Asvel coach Parker at the post-match press conference.

Obradović: “We are proud of what is happening in the Arena”

“We played good basketball. We deserved to win.”, stated coach Obradović. “I am extremely satisfied with the defence. We had opened shots that we didn’t score in the final quarter, which is part of the sport. We also have another game against Zalgiris on Friday… All of my praises to my players.”

Obradović was clear that the first priority was Friday’s match:“Right now our focus should be exclusively on Zalgiris. Not the matches that follow it.

When asked about the Derby win, Obradović said: “A win against Zvezda always boosts the moral. What is the most important is the self-esteem.. If we continue to maintain this level, I think we have a chance. (…) Our fans give us a huge energy. I will thank them again. We are proud of what is happening in the Arena this season. I thank them for the atmosphere, the support.”

Coach Obradović also told the press that Brodziansky decided to leave the squad: “I spoke very openly to him. Brodziansky decided to leave. Tonight I thanked him in the name of all the players. He is an excellent young man, polite, talented… He decided to look for his luck elsewhere.”, this puts the end on any further dilemmas.

Partizan, 11th in the Euroleague standings, are left to prepare for Kaunas where they will face Zalgiris. This away match is followed by Mega in the ABA league, and finally Bayern in Munich.

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