Partizan Mozzart Bet Beograd claimed an 85-82 EuroLeague victory over Crvena Zvezda Belgrade in a tense Eternal Derby at Stark Arena on Friday night, edging their fiercest rivals in a game that was decided in the final minute. The win gave Partizan another statement result in the regular season and added another dramatic chapter to one of European basketball’s most intense rivalries.

Match Overview

Partizan set the tone early with an aggressive opening, moving the ball inside and attacking the offensive glass. The home side led 24-19 after the first quarter, but Crvena Zvezda responded through Nemanja Nedovic’s shot-making and a more physical defensive approach. The visitors briefly took the lead in the second quarter before Partizan restored order, heading into halftime with a narrow 41-40 advantage.

The third quarter turned into a back-and-forth battle, with neither team able to build a meaningful cushion. Partizan’s guards kept finding seams in the Zvezda defense, while Crvena Zvezda stayed close by converting second-chance opportunities and drawing fouls. The final five minutes were played at a playoff-like intensity, with every possession carrying extra weight.

Key Moments

With just over a minute remaining, Partizan’s Carlik Jones hit a step-back three-pointer to push the hosts ahead 80-77. On the next possession, Partizan forced a turnover, and two free throws extended the lead to five. Crvena Zvezda had one last chance to force overtime, but Nedovic’s contested three-pointer at the buzzer rimmed out, sealing an 85-82 win for Partizan.

• Partizan closed the game on a 7-2 run in the final 90 seconds.
• Crvena Zvezda shot just 9-of-30 from beyond the arc.
• Partizan won the rebounding battle 38-32 and scored 14 second-chance points.

Tactical Story

Partizan’s game plan centered on paint touches and extra possessions. The hosts repeatedly attacked the rim through ball screens, forcing Crvena Zvezda’s big men into help rotations. That approach opened up offensive rebounds and kick-out threes, and Partizan finished with a decisive edge in second-chance scoring. Defensively, Partizan switched aggressively on the perimeter and made Zvezda’s guards work for every clean look.

Crvena Zvezda stayed in the game through isolation scoring and free throws, but their three-point shooting never found a rhythm. The visitors also committed 14 turnovers, several of which came in the closing minutes. In a derby often defined by margins, Partizan’s discipline on the glass and poise at the free-throw line proved decisive.

Standout Players

• Carlik Jones (Partizan): 23 points, 7 assists and the go-ahead three-pointer in the final minute.
• Tyrique Jones (Partizan): 16 points and 12 rebounds, controlling the paint on both ends.
• Sterling Brown (Partizan): 14 points and 5 rebounds, providing important wing defense.
• Nemanja Nedovic (Crvena Zvezda): 21 points, keeping the visitors close with tough shot-making.
• Codi Miller-McIntyre (Crvena Zvezda): 14 points and 8 assists in a composed playmaking performance.
• Joel Bolomboy (Crvena Zvezda): 10 points and 11 rebounds, battling on the interior.

Season Impact

The result improved Partizan’s early EuroLeague record and gave the club another confidence-boosting win in front of a passionate home crowd. For Crvena Zvezda, the loss was a frustrating one, especially given how close the game remained in the fourth quarter. In the EuroLeague standings, the derby win carries extra weight for Partizan, while Zvezda will look to respond quickly in the next round.

The Eternal Derby once again delivered the intensity and late drama expected of the fixture. Partizan’s ability to execute under pressure made the difference, and the 85-82 result will be remembered as another tightly contested chapter in the rivalry.