Carlik Jones delivered a record-tying performance as Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade opened its 2026-27 EuroLeague campaign with a commanding 92-76 victory over Armani Olimpia Milan at Belgrade Arena on Friday.
Jones finished with 20 points and 10 assists, matching his career high for assists and tying Partizan’s single-game EuroLeague record. He shot 4-of-6 from three-point range while controlling the game from start to finish.
Partizan used its pace and pressure to wear Milan down, pulling away in the fourth quarter after the visitors had remained within striking distance through three periods. Jones became increasingly influential late in the game, taking advantage of the defense’s attention to create open looks for teammates and knock down shots himself.
The victory was particularly significant for Partizan after a difficult run in season openers. It snapped 10 consecutive EuroLeague opening-game losses and marked the club’s first win in the first game of a season since defeating FC Barcelona in 2007-08.
Lamar Stevens added 11 points and Kevarrius Hayes scored 10, with both newcomers making an immediate impact. Partizan shot 60.5% from two-point range and 45.8% from beyond the arc, finishing 11-of-24 from three-point range while recording 21 assists.
The hosts also forced Milan into a difficult offensive night with 12 steals and limited the visitors to 17-of-34 shooting on two-point attempts. Luca Vildoza added seven points, seven points came from multiple other Partizan players.
Milan was led by Marko Guduric and Alec Peters, who scored 17 points apiece. Devon Hall added 13, while Devin Booker finished with nine, but the visitors struggled to match Partizan’s intensity and offensive balance.
Partizan will visit Paris Basketball next Tuesday, while Milan hosts Virtus Bologna on the same day.
