Smailagic and solid defense lead Partizan to third ABA League win / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: Partizan NIS/Dragana Stjepanovic Credit Partizan NIS/Dragana Stjepanovic

Partizan NIS Belgrade had an easy night against KK SC Derby Podgorica at the Stark Arena in the Serbian capital, cruising to a comfortable win by 79-57 (20-9, 17-14, 24-21, 18-13). The team of Zeljko Obradovic is now 3-0 in the Adriatic League, while their opponents fell to 1-2.

Alen Smailagic

Position:PFAge:21Height:206 cmWeight:98 kgBirth place:Belgrade, SerbiaProfileNewsStatistics

The hosts were holding a double-digit lead from early on, holding down Derby to only 23 points in the first half. Despite Obradovic's extensive rotation, the difference between the two squads was huge. Partizan went on an 11-0 run in the first quarter, which gave them a 27-point margin (71-44) five minutes before the final buzzer. Alen Smailagic led all scorers with 13 points on 5/5 field goals and 5 rebounds. Kevin Punter added another 12 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists, while Uros Trifunovic scored 10.

Overall, Partizan ended up having a very high two-point shot percentage (69%). However, the very large number of turnovers (21) might be a cause for concern ahead of the EuroCup start, ten days from now. The visitors shot poorly from the field (30%) and saw Bacovic, Kamenjas go for 10 points apiece. Fletcher Magee hit 3 of 5 three-pointers to go along with 2 steals, 2 assists and 3 turnovers.

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