Zalgiris Kaunas took a major step toward a EuroLeague playoff berth on Friday night, beating Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade 83-74 at Belgrade Arena in a game that carried both postseason weight and emotional significance.
The result lifted Zalgiris to 22-15 and left the Lithuanian club one win away from returning to the business end of the competition for the first time since 2023. A home win over eliminated Paris Basketball in the regular-season finale on April 17 would complete the job.
The night began with a powerful tribute to the late Dusko Vujosevic, the former Partizan head coach who died Wednesday at 67. The arena fell into a somber mood as fans lit up the stands with phone lights during the memorial on the jumbo screen.
Once the game began, Zalgiris quickly settled into control. Sylvain Francisco set the tone early, scoring 16 of his 18 points in the first half as the visitors built a 26-22 lead after the first quarter and carried a 48-41 advantage into halftime.
Francisco also finished with six assists and said after the game that Zalgiris managed the pace well in one of the toughest environments in Europe. He added that the team has grown through games against athletic opponents and understands what it takes to win now.
The third quarter brought Partizan’s best push, as the home team cut the deficit to 56-55 and tried to ride the crowd back into the contest. Zalgiris answered with a 14-2 run that flipped the pressure back onto the hosts and put the game out of reach.
Nigel Williams-Goss added 13 points for Zalgiris, while Edgaras Ulanovas and Azuolas Tubelis scored 12 apiece. Tomas Masiulis’ team also showed composure under pressure, moving the ball and controlling the tempo against a Partizan defense that could not consistently force turnovers.
Partizan dropped to 15-22 after its second straight loss, ending any postseason hopes after a club-record six-game winning streak earlier in the campaign. Carlik Jones led the Serbian side with 15 points, Shake Milton and Isaac Bonga added 13 each, and Bruno Fernando posted 12 points and nine rebounds.
Jones also secured a new contract earlier in the day, giving Partizan a key piece to build around as it looks ahead to the summer.
Partizan now closes its EuroLeague home schedule against Baskonia on April 16, while Zalgiris will host Paris with a playoff spot on the line.
