Partizan cruise past Andorra, secure EuroCup playoff spot / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: imago images/Eibner-SCANPIX Credit imago images/Eibner-SCANPIX

Partizan NIS Belgrade (9-4) snapped a two-game slide while staying perfect at home in the EuroCup, as Zeljko Obradovic's squad crushed MoraBanc Andorra (6-6) 95-70 (24-16, 21-19, 24-19, 26-16).

MoraBanc Andora / Schedule

Partizan Belgrade MoraBanc AndoraWed19:30 MoraBanc Andora WKS Slask WroclawTue19:00

In doing so, the Serbian powerhouse avenged their first-round loss (60-61) to Andorra, and -thanks to Turk Telekom's home loss to Joventut Badalona- they mathematically secured a place in the playoffs.

Partizan had five players in double digits, with Zach LeDay leading all scorers with 20 points on 6/8 from the field. Mathias Lesort had a double-double of 18 points-12 rebounds, while Kevin Punter, Yam Madar and Uros Trifunovic were also in great form.

Clevin Hannah scored 17 and Victor Arteaga added another 16 for Andorra, who suffered their fourth defeat in the last five games and keep losing ground.

The team coached by David Eudal managed to compete for almost 25 minutes, before being completely carried away by the atmosphere and the hosts' superiority in every aspect of the game.

Partizan imposed their rhythm right from the start, leading by eight (24-16) after the first ten minutes. Kevin Punter had scored 8 points over that span and in spite of going scoreless in the second quarter, the hosts had no difficulty in keeping the lead.

Mathias Lesort contributed on both ends, scoring and rebounding the ball, while Zach LeDay lend a helping hand.

On the other end, Clevin Hannah and Victor Arteaga tried to keep Andorra in the game - and were successful for the most part. The American guard brought some much-needed energy to the Spanish side, while Arteaga counterbalanced the points received by his team in the paint.

Zach LeDay hit two treys to make it 66-52 with two minutes left in the third quarter. Partizan's roll culminated when Yam Madar scored another one from long distance to increase the margin to even greater heights.

"The team was very focused. We believe in our starters. Defensively they gave us a good result," Zeljko Obradovic said post-game.

"This atmosphere is nothing new for us. These people are amazing. Thanks to them. We have the best support throughout Europe."

Partizan NIS Belgrade: Zach LeDay 20 (6/8 FG, 2/2 3PT SHOTS, 3 REB), Mathias Lesort 18 (7/10 FG, 4/4 FT, 12 REB), Kevin Punter 16 (5/8 FG, 5/5 FT, 3 REB, 5 AST), Yam Madar 15 (6/11 FG, 4 REB, 4 AST), Uros Trifunovic 12 (5/8 FG).

MoraBanc Andorra: Clevin Hannah 17 (7/12 FG), Victor Arteaga 16 (8/9 FG, 3 REB), Oriol Pauli 13 (4/7 FG, 4/5 FT, 9 REB).

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