Historic Double-Overtime Battle at Belgrade Arena
In one of the most dramatic encounters of the EuroLeague season, Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade outlasted Valencia Basket 110-104 in a pulsating double-overtime contest at the Belgrade Arena. The Round 34 clash saw both teams push each other to the absolute limit, with the game requiring an additional ten minutes to separate two evenly-matched sides.
The victory extends Partizan's impressive home form and demonstrates their resilience in crucial moments. After trailing for significant portions of the game, the Serbian side showed tremendous character to force overtime and ultimately secure a vital six-point victory that could prove crucial in the playoff race.
Sterling Brown's Heroic Performance Falls Short
Despite the defeat, Sterling Brown delivered an absolutely sensational performance for Valencia Basket, finishing with a game-high 31 points. Brown was efficient throughout the marathon contest, shooting 9-of-19 from the field, including 4-of-9 from three-point range, and a perfect 9-of-9 from the free-throw line. His 32 efficiency rating reflected his all-around contribution, which also included seven rebounds and two assists.
Brown's ability to get to the free-throw line proved crucial for Valencia, as he repeatedly drew fouls in critical moments. However, his heroics ultimately weren't enough to overcome Partizan's collective effort and home-court advantage in the extended periods of play.
Jones and the Valencia Backcourt Battle
Carlik Jones provided excellent support for Brown, contributing 27 points on 10-of-19 shooting from the field. Jones was particularly effective inside the arc, making 8-of-13 two-point attempts, and added six assists to orchestrate Valencia's offense. His ability to penetrate and create opportunities kept Valencia competitive throughout the grueling 50-minute contest.
Dylan Osetkowski chipped in with 14 points, providing valuable inside-outside scoring with three successful two-pointers and two triples. Isaac Bonga added 13 points, including two crucial three-pointers, demonstrating Valencia's balanced scoring approach. However, turnovers at crucial moments proved costly for the Spanish side, with the team committing several critical errors in the overtime periods.
Partizan's Depth Makes the Difference
Partizan Mozzart Bet Belgrade showcased their squad depth with multiple players making significant contributions. Kameron Taylor led the home side with 18 points on an efficient 6-of-7 shooting, including a perfect 2-of-2 from beyond the arc. Taylor's 25 efficiency rating highlighted his impact, complemented by six rebounds and four assists in nearly 33 minutes of action.
Brancou Badio proved instrumental in the victory with 16 points and six assists, making crucial plays in both overtime periods. His 6-of-7 performance from the free-throw line in the extra sessions helped seal the victory. Darius Thompson contributed 16 points and eight assists, orchestrating Partizan's offense with precision and making key defensive plays, including three steals.
Regulation Drama and Overtime Heroics
The game was tightly contested from the opening tip, with Valencia building an early advantage in the first quarter, leading 27-17. However, Partizan responded emphatically in the second period, outscoring Valencia 24-14 to narrow the halftime deficit to 41-41. The third quarter saw Valencia regain control with a 25-18 run, but Partizan's 25-18 fourth-quarter surge forced the first overtime period at 84-84.
In the first overtime, both teams exchanged baskets, with neither able to establish a decisive advantage. The period ended 97-97, necessitating a second extra session. The second overtime proved decisive, with Partizan outscoring Valencia 13-7 to finally secure the victory. Nathan Reuvers came up big for Partizan with 12 points, while Braxton Key added eight points and eight rebounds in limited minutes.
Key Moments Define Extended Battle
Several crucial sequences defined this marathon encounter. Valencia's technical foul on their bench in the third quarter shifted momentum temporarily, while Partizan's successful coach's challenge in the fourth quarter demonstrated their attention to detail. The officials—Borys Ryzhyk, Arturas Sukys, and Thomas Bissuel—managed a difficult game that featured 51 total fouls and numerous crucial calls in the overtime periods.
Turnovers proved significant in determining the outcome, with both teams committing costly errors in critical moments. Partizan's ability to convert Valencia's mistakes into points during the overtime periods ultimately made the difference. The home team's defensive intensity increased as the game progressed, forcing Valencia into uncomfortable situations and disrupting their offensive rhythm.
Implications for Both Teams
This victory continues Partizan's solid form, adding to recent wins against LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne, Paris Basketball, and Virtus Bologna. The dramatic nature of this triumph will boost confidence as they navigate the crucial final stretch of the regular season. For Valencia, the defeat is disappointing given their strong performance and Brown's exceptional individual display, but they can take heart from their competitive spirit despite falling short on the road.
The marathon contest showcased the quality and competitiveness of the EuroLeague, with both teams demonstrating why they deserve their places among Europe's elite. While Partizan celebrated a hard-fought home victory, Valencia will look to bounce back quickly from this heartbreaking double-overtime defeat as the playoff race intensifies.
