Crvena Zvezda Dominates Fourth Quarter to Defeat Olympiacos 91-80 in EuroLeague Thriller

Stellar Fourth Quarter Powers Belgrade Home Victory

In a commanding Round 13 EuroLeague performance, Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade delivered a spectacular fourth-quarter display to overcome Olympiacos Piraeus 91-80 in front of 19,921 passionate fans at home. The Serbian powerhouse unleashed a decisive 32-15 final period, turning what had been a competitive contest into a statement victory that improved their recent form after a challenging stretch.

The home side's explosive finish proved too much for the Greek visitors, who had battled back to take a slim lead entering the final frame. What made this victory particularly impressive was how Crvena Zvezda responded to adversity, showing the resilience and championship mettle that has defined their best performances this season.

Vezenkov's Heroics Not Enough for Olympiacos

Despite the loss, Sasha Vezenkov delivered an extraordinary individual performance for Olympiacos, posting a game-high 29 points on exceptional 10-of-15 shooting from the field. The Bulgarian forward added eight rebounds to his impressive stat line, recording an efficiency rating of 28. His ability to score from multiple levels kept the visitors competitive throughout three quarters, converting 6-of-7 from two-point range and 4-of-8 from beyond the arc.

Tyler Dorsey provided valuable support with 16 points, hitting four three-pointers in his 29 minutes of action. The American guard's perimeter shooting helped Olympiacos stay within striking distance through the middle periods. Evan Fournier contributed 13 points off the bench, while Nikola Milutinov added seven points, six rebounds, and three assists in a solid all-around performance.

However, the visitors struggled to maintain their offensive rhythm in the crucial final quarter, managing just 15 points when they needed to match Crvena Zvezda's intensity. The inability to get consistent secondary scoring beyond Vezenkov ultimately proved costly in the closing stages.

Nwora and Moneke Lead Balanced Attack

For the home side, Jordan Nwora led the scoring charge with 23 points on efficient 9-of-16 shooting, demonstrating his versatility by knocking down 3-of-7 from three-point range while dominating inside with 6-of-9 from two-point territory. The American forward's ability to score from all areas of the court kept the Olympiacos defense off balance throughout the contest.

Chima Moneke delivered a masterclass in all-around basketball, recording a double-double with 11 points and 11 rebounds while adding three assists and three steals. The Nigerian forward's impact extended far beyond the box score, with his plus-14 rating reflecting his crucial contributions on both ends of the floor during his 35 minutes of action. His five offensive rebounds created numerous second-chance opportunities that proved vital in the victory.

Semi Ojeleye provided an enormous spark off the bench, scoring 15 points on a perfect 3-of-3 shooting from three-point range. His plus-16 rating in just over 25 minutes demonstrated the impact of his efficient play. The reserve forward's ability to space the floor and knock down crucial shots during the decisive fourth quarter helped Crvena Zvezda pull away.

Fourth Quarter Explosion Seals Victory

The game's defining characteristic was the dramatic shift in the final period. After Olympiacos had edged ahead 65-59 following a strong third quarter where they outscored the hosts 27-22, Crvena Zvezda completely flipped the script. The 32-15 fourth-quarter demolition represented one of the most dominant closing periods in this EuroLeague season.

The home team's defensive intensity reached its peak in the final frame, holding Olympiacos to their lowest-scoring quarter of the game. Meanwhile, the offense found its rhythm through ball movement and high-percentage looks, with multiple players contributing to the scoring barrage. The crowd's energy provided an additional boost as the Serbian champions sensed victory.

Codi Miller-McIntyre orchestrated the offense brilliantly, finishing with 10 points and nine assists while committing just two turnovers. His plus-2 rating and steady playmaking allowed Crvena Zvezda to execute their offensive sets with precision. Devonte Graham added nine points and four assists off the bench, with his three three-pointers helping maintain offensive pressure.

Defensive Pressure Creates Opportunities

The home team's defensive performance proved crucial, particularly in generating turnovers that led to transition opportunities. Chima Moneke and Nikola Kalinic each recorded three steals, while Thomas Walkup led Olympiacos with four steals in a losing effort.

Nikola Kalinic made his presence felt with eight points and three steals in 26 minutes, recording a plus-13 rating that highlighted his positive impact. The veteran Serbian forward's experience showed in crucial moments, particularly during the fourth-quarter surge when his defensive intensity helped spark the decisive run.

The rebounding battle saw Crvena Zvezda capitalize on second-chance opportunities, with Chima Moneke's five offensive boards leading the charge. Jared Butler grabbed three offensive rebounds despite limited minutes, showcasing the team's collective commitment on the glass.

Key Statistical Advantages

Beyond the fourth-quarter dominance, several statistical categories told the story of Crvena Zvezda's victory. The home team's superior depth proved crucial, with bench players combining for significant contributions. Semi Ojeleye's perfect three-point shooting exemplified the quality of reserve production.

Free throw shooting provided another edge, with the hosts converting their opportunities at crucial moments. Chima Moneke made 5-of-8 from the charity stripe, while Jordan Nwora was perfect on two attempts. Every point mattered in building the momentum that carried through the final period.

The assists distribution reflected excellent ball movement, with Codi Miller-McIntyre's nine helpers leading the way. Thomas Walkup dished out eight assists for Olympiacos, but his team couldn't convert enough high-percentage looks when it mattered most.

Implications for Both Teams

This victory represents a crucial bounce-back for Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet Belgrade, who had suffered a narrow loss to Valencia Basket in their previous outing. The comprehensive nature of the fourth-quarter performance suggests the team has rediscovered the defensive identity and offensive execution that characterized their earlier season successes.

For Olympiacos Piraeus, the defeat snaps a winning streak and raises questions about their ability to maintain intensity for full 40 minutes against elite competition. Despite Sasha Vezenkov's brilliance, the team needs more consistent secondary scoring and better fourth-quarter execution to compete at the highest level.

The home crowd's influence cannot be understated, as the 19,921 fans created an electric atmosphere that seemed to lift Crvena Zvezda during the critical moments. Playing at home in Belgrade provides a genuine advantage when the team harnesses that energy effectively.

Looking Ahead

As the EuroLeague season progresses through Round 13, both teams will take valuable lessons from this encounter. Crvena Zvezda demonstrated their capability to overcome adversity and deliver knockout blows when needed, while Olympiacos showed they can compete with anyone but must find ways to close out tight games on the road. The 91-80 final score reflected a game that was closer than the margin suggests until the home team's devastating final-quarter performance settled the matter decisively.