Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade defended its home court with an impressive 96-88 comeback victory over Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv at Stark Arena on Friday night, leaving both teams with a record of 4-4.
Partizan bounces back to defeat Maccabi
The scoring was fast and furious in the early stages, with Maccabi making its first 5 three-point attempts to get in front. Maccabi led throughout the opening 29 minutes, but Partizan kept persisting to go ahead 69-68 with 10 minutes left before then dominated the final period to surge clear. Dante Exum led the way with 21 points and 5 assists, while Zach LeDay also scored 21 and Mathias Lessort paired 16 points with 7 offensive rebounds. Maccabi was paced by Wade Baldwin, who had 23 points and 7 assists.
Game Videos
Maccabi raced into a 0-6 lead before 5 points from LeDay helped bring Partizan back, 13-13. The visitors kept on shooting well for a 22-26 lead after the first quarter of play. It stayed close in the second quarter until 4 triples from Darrun Hilliard made it 37-44. Alen Smailegic scored 4 baskets on his competition debut for Partizan, while Exum and Baldwin traded baskets for a 49-50 scoreline at the break. Alex Poythress scored twice early in the third quarter to keep Maccabi ahead, 59-66, but Partizan finished the third period strong for a 69-68 lead. That was extended to 75-68, but Maccabi bounced back, keeping it close until the final stages. However, a strong finish to the game from Exum, LeDay and Lessort ensured that Partizan claimed the win.