Obradovic makes victorious return to Istanbul as Fenerbahce lose 3rd game in row / News - Basketnews.com

Fenerbahce lost for the third time in a row in the EuroLeague. Their losing streak reaches five games if adding defeats on the domestic front.

Credit: Tolga Adanali/GettyImages Credit Tolga Adanali/GettyImages

EuroLeague leaders -- Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul -- could not recover after last week's defeats, losing for the third time in a row. Fenerbahce stumbled against Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade at home, 72-73 (19-16, 18-17, 20-18, 15-22).

It was a special game for coaching legend Zeljko Obradovic, who led Fenerbahce to its only EuroLeague title in 2017, as he faced his former team for the first time in an official game since leaving the club.

His longtime assistant and best friend -- Dimitris Itoudis -- was on the other side of the court. Itoudis' men, led by Scottie Wilbekin, made a 10-2 run in the third quarter. The latter spurt provided a double-digit lead for the first time in the match (47-37).

Despite that, Obradovic found an X-factor in Aleksa Avramovic, who made his EuroLeague debut. The Serbian guard gave Partizan a spark on offense and Partizan were trailing 51-57 after three quarters.

Partizan kept pushing in the fourth tally. Ioannis Papapetrou connected from deep and Serbians were leading 60-59 in the mid-fourth period. However, Fenerbahce kept conquering the game through strong defense and patient offense. Nick Calathes and Devin Booker poured in four points in two attacks and the hosts were up by 4 (70-66) with 2:20 to play.

Nevertheless, Zach LeDay responded with four points on his own to tie the game at 70. Devin Booker and Aleksa Avramovic exchanged with two free throws and the match was tied again, this time at 72, with 28 seconds to go.

Wilbekin took an initiative but missed the layup, meanwhile, Avramovic drew a foul on the other end. He made one free throw out of two (73-72). Fenerbahce had 3.2 seconds for a rescue but the Turks turned the ball over.

Fenerbahce: Scottie Wilbekin 14, Dyshawn Pierre 13 (6 REB), Nick Calathes 11 (7 REB. 7 AST).

Partizan: Mathias Lessort 12, Kevin Punter 12, Dante Exum 10.

Game highlights

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