ADRIATIC LEAGUE – Velickovic steers Partizan to triumph in Belgrade derby
BELGRADE (Adriatic League) - When Partizan and Belgrade rivals Red Star meet, the occasion is always big and so it proved to be in the latest clash between the two Serbian sides in the Adriatic League. Looking to stay alive in the regular-season title race, Red Star opened up a 64-54 lead at the end of the third quarter after a ...
BELGRADE (Adriatic League) - When Partizan and Belgrade rivals Red Star meet, the occasion is always big and so it proved to be in the latest clash between the two Serbian sides in the Adriatic League.
Looking to stay alive in the regular-season title race, Red Star opened up a 64-54 lead at the end of the third quarter after a three-pointer from Marko Marinovic.
Serbia international Novica Velickovic came to the rescue for Partizan, scoring 16 of his game-high 20 points over the final 10 minutes to lead his side to an 85-82 triumph.
Velickovic, who is beginning to look as if he may be the next superstar to emerge from proud basketball country, also had 12 rebounds.
Saturday's result has left Partizan with a 19-2 mark - three wins clear of Red Star with five regular-season games remaining.
Cibona won 88-86 at Vojvodina and they are third at 15-6 with Hemofarm (also 15-6) fourth following their 87-72 setback at Buducnost.
Zagreb are third-bottom but improved to 5-16 after a 79-70 triumph over Zadar.
Young Croatia international Ante Tomic was Adriatic League MVP of the Week after an 18-point, 11-rebound performance for Zagreb.
Other games: Split 86 Krka 71, Olimpija 78 Bosna 68 and FMP 90 Helios 74.
FIBA