Duane Washington delivered a career-defining performance on Friday as Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade rallied to a 79–76 win over Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade in the Belgrade Arena.
Trailing by 16 points late in the third quarter, Partizan staged a dramatic comeback fueled by Washington, who scored 25 points, including clutch free throws in the final seconds.
Isaac Bonga also contributed a double-double with 16 points and 11 rebounds, while Tyrique Jones added 15 points and 8 boards to stabilize Partizan’s interior play.
Crvena Zvezda appeared in command for much of the game, holding a 60–44 advantage late in the third quarter behind Jared Butler and Jordan Nwora. Butler finished with 20 points, and Nwora matched that total, scoring 13 in the fourth to keep the game close.
Partizan’s rally began with a 5–0 run to close the third quarter, but it was Washington’s aggressive drives and perimeter shooting that swung the momentum firmly in the home team’s favor.
For Crvena Zvezda, defensive lapses and Partizan’s relentless fourth-quarter pressure proved costly. Despite Nwora and Butler’s efforts, the visitors fell to 9–6, suffering a third loss in four games.
Partizan improved to 6–9 with the win and will host Virtus Bologna before traveling to Zalgiris Kaunas in double week. Crvena Zvezda heads to Hapoel IBI Tel Aviv and will host Virtus Bologna next.
