Partizan 85-82 Crvena Zvezda: Pajola three-pointer wins Belgrade derby in overtime

Partizan beat Crvena Zvezda 85-82 after overtime at the Belgrade Arena on Thursday in EuroLeague round 7, Eurohoops and Serbian broadcaster RTS reported.

How it happened

Partizan led 52-38 at half-time and 65-50 after three quarters, according to RTS. Crvena Zvezda won the fourth quarter 25-10, and two baskets from Jared Butler made it 75-75. Alessandro Pajola missed two free throws in the last minute of regulation, and Kevarrius Hayes blocked a drive by Chris Jones at the other end, RTS said.

Zvezda led 81-77 in overtime. Carlik Jones then scored a layup and, after Ebuka Izundu made one of two free throws, a three-pointer to level at 82-82, and Pajola hit a three with 17 seconds left. Zvezda did not get a shot off on their final possession, Eurohoops reported.

Numbers

• Partizan: Carlik Jones 26 points, Lamar Stevens 16, Hayes 13 and eight rebounds.
• Crvena Zvezda: Chris Jones 22, Jordan Nwora 16, Semi Ojeleye 13.

We have to understand why we were an hour late to the game. Partizan played smart defence. Crvena Zvezda coach Ibon Navarro, quoted by Politika

Navarro said the final play was meant for Butler. Partizan ended a three-game losing run and Zvezda a four-game winning run; both teams are 4-3, Eurohoops said. RTS reported a clash between fans and police before the game; the start was not delayed. Partizan visit ASVEL next and Zvezda host Maccabi Tel Aviv.

See also: our lead-up to the derby and EuroLeague round 7 Thursday round-up.