Partizan lost against Darussafaka

Partizan lost Eurocup game in Istanbul. Home side were better and final result was 65:63 (15:12, 15:20, 18:11, 17:20)) for Turk representative. Game was very though with very strong defense on both side.

First quarter

Partizan started catastrophically in attack and scored only 2 points for first 5 minutes of play. Bad organisation of attacks was compensated with very good defense. Fortunately Turk side didn't go to 2 digits advantage in this early period. Serbian side finally started to play in attack and first quarter ended with just 3 points lead for home side. Final result was 15:12.

Thanks to good defense and stealing of ball, Partizan makes 9:0 and start to lead 18:22 and soon after 20:25. Referee gives on purpose foul to Walden from Partizan and Darussafaka came closer to 23:25. Partizan repels this attempt and moved to 23:29 thanks to Gordic's 3 pointer, but home side returned result ballance after their three pointers. However Partizan went on half time with 2 point lead 30:32.

In the beginning Partizan increased lead to 30:36, but then Darussafaka players started to shoot very good and Partizan entered in black minutes in attack again failing to score single basket. Soon result was 42:38 for home side. Serbian representative then finally founded way how to play in attack and this third quarter ended with 46:43 for home side.

Fourth quarter started again with big problems in attack for black and whites and home side increased lead to 54:45. When I thought all is over Marcus Peidge and Zagorac scored few baskets and suddenly game was open again. Near the end result was 65:63. Turk side had ball and missed attack near the end. Zagorac took the ball and with few seconds left decided to try 3 pointer for win, but his miserable all open shot didn't come even close to the basket. It was so called "air ball".

Rade Zagorac, Marcus Paige and James Mcadoo all scored 13 points for Partizan while in Turk side Demir Berk had 13 ,Jarod Jones 12 and Gerry Browne 12 points.

Partizan players looked frightened with tight hands, shooting during the game was very bad. Defense was on other hand very good, but to win such opponent you need to play on both sides good. Partizan American centers made some very nice and effective blocking of Darussafaka's attempts. Good thing in this defeat is it is with only 2 points. Same rivals will play in about a week in Belgrade where Partizan need to win with more than 2 points to secure going to next round. I have no doubt Partizan will win Trento at home and probably lose against Virtus away while Darussafaka will probably win Virtus at home and Trento away which would make circle of 3 clubs with 4 wins and 2 loses where difference in baskets matters. Partizan is in good position because of big win against Virtus 99:81 and this tight loss 65:63 and in case of winning Darrusafaka with 3 or more points will be 99% in next stage of Eurocup.