Kalinic-led Zvezda win over Partizan in a dramatic thriller in Game 2 / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: Ivica Veselinov Credit Ivica Veselinov

In the Game 2 of the AdmiralBet ABA League Finals, the reigning champions Crvena Zvezda got another home win and defeated Partizan NIS in a hard battle on the court 85-81 (29-18, 18-22, 15-13, 23-28) and lead series 2-0.

3-pointers this season

33%7,1Points made:7,1Accuracy:32,6%Place in standings:17Record max:14Record min:3Most made 3FGs:Ognjen DobricTeamEuroLeagueStatisticsSchedule

Game 3 will be played in front of the Partizan NIS crowd on Wednesday, June 1, 20:30 CET.

Nikola Kalinic was the top performer for the winners, accumulating 25 points (2/4 2PT, 5/5 3PT, 6/8 FT), 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and 29 PIR.

On the opposing side, Aleksa Avramovic was the high-scorer for Partizan, ending with 21 points (3/5 2PT, 4/6 3PT, 3/4 FT), 4 steals, and 22 PIR.

Crvena Zvezda started the game off strong, with Nikola Ivanovic's free throw earning the team an early 13-points lead (29-16) after the first quarter.

Partizan responded at the start of the second period. Aleksa Avramovic and Mathias Lessort-led Partizan reduced the deficit to single digits (40-47) after the second quarter. After the third period of the game went back and forth, the real drama began in the fourth quarter.

Partizan started the quarter with a 12-4 run that let them finally retake the lead for the visitors (68-66) with 6:30 left. Nikola Kalinic made back-to-back 3-pointers, and Zvezda led by one again (72-71) with 5:19 to go.

Austin Hollins and Luka Mitrovic added a pair of buckets, expanding the hosts' lead to 6 (80-74) with 1:48 remaining.

Zach LeDay brought back hopes to Partizan fans (77-80) with 26 seconds left, but Kalinic made two shots from the charity stripe (82-77). The visitors responded with a couple of free throws (81-83), but Luka Mitrovic's driving layup sealed the deal for the EuroLeague side.

Crvena Zvezda: Nikola Kalinic 25 (4 REB, 4 AST, 29 PIR), Luka Mitrovic 14 (6 REB), Nikola Ivanovic 12,Austin Hollins 11.

Partizan: Aleksa Avramovic 21 (4 STL), Mathias Lessort 18 (7 REB), Dallas Moore 14, Zach Le Day 11 (7 REB).

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