PARTIZAN BELGRADO – MONTEPASCHI SIENA     58-66   (15-19; 26-31; 41-50)

PARTIZAN: Jerrels 13, Kecman, Klobucar, Lucic 7, Milosavjevic 5, Katic 4, Jawai 2, Besovic n.e, Bozic 3, Gist 15, Vesely 9, Djekic n.e. Cch. Jovanovic.

 

MONTEPASCHI: Zisis 14, Hairston 3, Carraretto 10, Rakovic 2, Kaukenas 14, Ress, Michelori 15, Akindele, Jaric 2, Stonerook 5, Aradori n.e, Moss 2. Cch. Pianigiani.

 

It’s a Montepaschi win at Beograd Arena, where the green-and-whites defeated Partizan 58-66.

The game’s first basket it from Rimas Kaukenas who shoots one off the backboard on a penetration. Just after, Rakovic takes the green-and-whites’ total to 4, but Vasely and Katic tie it up. However, Montepaschi is very cautious on defense and is able to contain Serbia’s attacks. With 5’ left until the first buzzer, the scoreboard reads 4-9. Gist enters the game and makes 6 consecutive points, but the reliable Stonerook’s triple keeps Siena ahead 10-14. MPS’ break comes one minute from the end of first quarter with Carraretto’s pull up for a 7 point lead (10-17). Partizan’s reaction is vehement and Vesely’s triple makes it a 2 point game. Jaric’s baske ends the quarter 15-19.

Second quarter starts out with 6 points from Kaukenas that are worth Siena’s first double digit lead of 15-25. Partizan scores their first basket second quarter after 7 and a half minutes, and it’s a triple from Gist, who then proceeds to get the team fired up and put them back in the game, 22-27, the same margin at halftime (26-31).

Second half kicks off with a pull up by Moss, five turnovers by Partizan and Siena taking advantage of that for a basket from (+9). Partizan struggles to attack green-and-white defense, who keeps control of the game. With 3’ left in the quarter, it’s a 10 point game with a score of 36-46. Partizan tries to get back in the game again, but 4 points in a row from Michelori push them back: 41-50 at minutes 30’.

The start of last quarter still favours MPS. They use pressing to steal balls and take a 13 point lead (45-58), their largest lead so far. Montepaschi is in total control and ends the match by taking home an all-important win with a score of 58-66.