Aleksa Avramovic propels Partizan to a huge fourth-quarter comeback vs. Zvezda / News - Basketnews.com

Partizan erased a 12-point fourth-quarter deficit to take down Crvena Zvezda.

Credit: Partizan Mozzart Bet/Dragana Stjepanovic Credit Partizan Mozzart Bet/Dragana Stjepanovic

In a thrilling turn of events at Stark Arena, Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade orchestrated a remarkable fourth-quarter comeback, overcoming a 12-point deficit to seize the lead and secure an 88-86 victory in front of a sold-out crowd against their archrivals Crvena Zvezda MeridianBet Belgrade.

Partizan spoiled Ioannis Sfairopolous' EuroLeague debut at the Crvena Zvezda helm.

Aleksa Avramovic was the one who played a pivotal role in pulling Partizan out of a precarious situation. He finished the game with a team-high 14 points, including a couple of clutch baskets.

Avramovic compensated for Kevin Punter, who was not feeling his best rhythm. The American had 8 points, 7 turnovers, and -3 PIR over 28 minutes.

The second half began at 42-42, but Zvezda made a big push towards the middle of the tally. Sfairopoulos' team went on a 15-4 run and gained a 10-point lead (60-50). They had a 12-point cushion going into the final quarter (65-53), which could have seemed enough to secure a win in the hostile environment.

However, the drama escalated as Aleksa Avramovic consistently delivered clutch baskets, bringing Partizan within just 2 points with 2:15 left in the game (77-79). Adding to the intensity, PJ Dozier nailed a crucial corner three, propelling Partizan into a one-point lead (80-79). The back-and-forth continued when Milos Teodosic knotted the game on the opposite end, only for Avramovic to sink another deep shot with 1:16 remaining (83-80).

In a tense moment, Teodosic drew a foul while attempting a long-range jumper. Despite the veteran guard's experience, he missed two crucial free throws out of three attempts. With both teams exchanging unsuccessful scoring attempts, Teodosic managed to narrow Zvezda's deficit to a single point with 11 seconds on the clock (83-84).

The pressure heightened when Zach LeDay earned two free throws on the other end, converting them to extend the lead to three points (86-83). Napier missed a crucial free throw and that propelled Partizan to a hard-fought W.

Powered by Frank Kaminsky buckets, Partizan started the game with a 17-2 run and had a game-high advantage. However, their success was temporary as the visitors intensified their defense and arranged a 10-0 spurt at the start of the second quarter.

This surge allowed Zvezda to level the game, quieting the crowd and dampening Partizan's energy.

Partizan: Aleksa Avramovic 14, Zach LeDay 13, Ognjen Jaramaz 12, Frank Kaminsky 11.

Crvena Zvezda: Joel Bolomboy 16, Shabazz Napier 14, Adam Hanga 11, Yago dos Santos 11.

Game highlights

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