Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade extended its winning streak to four games with a 90-81 victory over Paris Basketball on Friday, October 16, overcoming a late comeback attempt by the visitors at Belgrade Arena.
Chima Moneke led Zvezda with 23 points, while Jared Butler scored 13, including two crucial late shots that helped the hosts hold off Paris after surrendering most of their 19-point third-quarter lead.
Jordan Nwora added 12 points, while Semi Ojeleye and Nikola Djurisic finished with 11 apiece. Zvezda improved to 4-2 after losing its first two EuroLeague games, while Paris fell to 1-5.
The hosts established control early, scoring 28 points in the first quarter to take a 28-18 lead. They maintained the advantage through the second period before producing a 31-point third quarter to move ahead by as many as 19 points.
Paris refused to give up and outscored Zvezda 23-13 in the final period, cutting the deficit to 86-81 in the closing stages. Butler then delivered two important shots from just inside the three-point arc to stop the visitors’ momentum and secure the home team’s victory.
Zvezda’s offensive efficiency proved decisive. The Serbian team made 27 of 47 two-point attempts and recorded 21 assists, moving the ball effectively against a Paris defense that struggled to contain the hosts for much of the game.
Paris played without Nadir Hifi and TJ Warren and finished with 11 three-pointers on 42 attempts. Tyson Etienne led the visitors with a game-high 24 points, while Sebastian Herrera contributed 14.
The French side also committed 19 turnovers, limiting its ability to complete the comeback despite winning the rebounding battle 42-36.
Crvena Zvezda will face city rival Partizan on Thursday, with the game scheduled at the same venue, while Paris will host Valencia Basket on Friday.
