Crvena Zvezda stormed back in the final quarter to defeat Zalgiris 88–79 in EuroLeague Round 4, handing Sasa Obradovic a perfect second debut as head coach and ending a six-game losing streak against the Lithuanian side.
Obradovic, who returned to the Serbian club after four successful years with AS Monaco, watched his team overturn a one-point deficit entering the final period thanks to a dominant display from Jordan Nwora.
The 27-year-old forward erupted for 14 of his game-high 24 points in the fourth quarter, adding 7 rebounds, 5 steals, 3 assists, and 2 blocks to lead Zvezda to its first home win of the season.
Zvezda trailed 57–58 after three quarters but erupted for 31 points in the final ten minutes, spurred by defensive intensity and transition play. Donatas Motiejunas and Chima Moneke added 13 points apiece, while Semi Ojeleye contributed 10.
Motiejunas, on a short-term loan from Monaco, produced another solid performance against his former club after scoring 13 points in last week’s upset win over Fenerbahce.
The visitors, who entered the game unbeaten at 3–0, looked in control early behind Maodo Lo’s 14 points and Nigel Williams-Goss’s 11, but ran out of steam in the final stretch. Zalgiris hit only 32% from three-point range and was out-rebounded 40–29.
With the win, Zvezda improved to 2–2, while Zalgiris dropped to 3–1. The Belgrade side will next face Real Madrid. Meanwhile, Zalgiris will host EA7 Emporio Armani Milan.
