Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade extended its EuroLeague winning streak to a club-record six games with an 89-82 road victory over Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade on Thursday at Belgrade Arena.
The result improved Partizan to 15-20 while handing Zvezda its second straight defeat, leaving the red-and-white side at 19-16 and under pressure in the race for a top-10 play-in position.
Carlik Jones delivered the decisive performance, scoring a game-high 26 points, including 22 in the second half, to lead the visitors in the rivalry clash.
Sterling Brown added 22 points and seven rebounds, providing early offense before Jones took control after halftime.
The contest was tightly contested through the opening two quarters, with the teams tied 38-38 at the break.
Brown powered Partizan in the first half with 16 points while both teams traded baskets in a physical derby atmosphere.
The momentum shifted after halftime when Jones began attacking off the dribble and creating scoring opportunities during the decisive stretch.
Partizan gradually built a double-digit lead and pushed the margin to 72-57 early in the fourth quarter.
Zvezda attempted to rally late behind Codi Miller-McIntyre, who scored 24 points and hit several difficult three-pointers to cut the deficit.
The hosts trimmed the margin to 85-82 in the closing moments, but Partizan converted key free throws to secure the victory.
Jones, who missed a large portion of the season with a broken foot, has been instrumental in Partizan’s recent surge since returning to the lineup.
Partizan will travel to face Anadolu Efes Istanbul on April 8 and Zalgiris Kaunas on April 10 in the upcoming double week.
Crvena Zvezda returns home to host Paris Basketball on April 7 before visiting ASVEL on April 10 as the postseason race intensifies.
