

Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade strengthened its playoff push by outlasting Virtus Segafredo Bologna 79-88 in an exciting tussle at Virtus Segafredo Arena on Tuesday night. Partizan improved to 15-12 after winning six of its last seven games, while Virtus dropped to 12-15 with three losses in four.
Partizan made a lightning start to take early control, but Virtus roared back to lead by 2 at the break. It stayed close throughout the third quarter and most of the fourth, before Partizan pulled clear in the final stages. Dante Exum was the main inspiration with 17 points, 7 assists, 7 rebounds and 3 steals, while James Nunnally scored 18 points and Kevin Punter added 17. Jordan Mickey had 13 points and 9 rebounds for Virtus, and Milos Teodosic recorded a double-double of 11 points and 12 assists but also committed 8 turnovers.
Daniel Hackett and Punter both scored 5 points in a fast-paced start, 12-13. Two more baskets apiece for Punter and Mathias Lessort bettered three scores from Semi Ojeleye to keep the visitors ahead, 26-28, after 10 minutes. Awudu Abass netted three times as Virtus surged ahead, 38-34, but two battling scores from Zach LeDay kept it close, 47-45, at the interval.
Alen Smailagic and Nunnally both scored twice as Partizan started the second half with a 2-9 run to lead 49-54, and after several free throws, Nunnally stayed hot with a long two to close the third quarter with the score at 63-65. Exum scored 6 fast points including two big dunks, to stretch the lead to 67-77 midway through the fourth, but two baskets from Jaiteh helped pull it back to 76-79. Punter’s triple revived Partizan, and Exum scored again to seal the outcome.