Baskonia falls in Belgrade after collapse in the final quarter
The Baskonia collapses in the final stretch against Partizan in Belgrade, conceding a 15-6 run in the last quarter that seals a game that had remained competitive for 35 minutes. The team from Vitoria, led by Perasovic and without their new signings, falls 80-66 and sees their record worsen to 1-10 in Euroleague.
Baskonia once again demonstrated that recovery in the Euroliga is still a path full of obstacles. The team led by Perasovic showed signs of improvement during much of the match against Partizan, managing to stay in contention for victory well into the decisive stretch, but the lack of offensive consistency and the interior dominance of the Serbs turned out to be insurmountable in Belgrade.
During the first 35 minutes, the Vitorian team managed to maintain uncertainty on the scoreboard and put up a fight against an opponent that, on paper, was the favorite. However, the absence of new signings was particularly felt at critical moments when the team needed additional resources to sustain their competitiveness. Despite this, the Vitorians did not give up until the final quarter arrived.
The interior dominance of Partizan, a decisive key
The superiority of the Serbs in the paint was decisive in the development of the match. Jekiri and Tanaskovic took control of the boards and executed a remarkable performance, especially due to their effectiveness in two-point shots. Together, they scored 14 of 17 attempts from close range, a compelling percentage that neutralized much of Baskonia's defensive efforts.
This interior dominance was not coincidental. Control of the game near the basket allowed Partizan to dictate the pace of the match and limit the offensive options of the visitors. Every time Baskonia attempted to close the gap on the scoreboard, the presence of the Serbian big men in the restricted area thwarted any attempt at a comeback. The inability to counter this local push was one of the factors that weighed most heavily in the final defeat.
Duarte tries to support Baskonia
In the offensive chapter, Duarte was the main asset of the Vitorian team. The player scored 15 points that kept the team in contention during different phases of the match. His contribution was consistent, but he did not find the necessary continuity from the rest of his teammates to counter the pressure exerted by Partizan from the start.
The lack of outside support for Duarte was evident. While the Vitorian player tried to carry the offensive weight of the team on his shoulders, the rest of the roster failed to generate enough production to alleviate that burden. This disparity in offensive contribution became more evident as the game progressed, especially when the moment of greatest pressure arrived.
An irreversible collapse in the final quarter
The outcome of the match was particularly painful for Perasovic's team. After holding on for 35 minutes, keeping the uncertainty alive on the scoreboard and demonstrating that the team had the capacity to compete, Baskonia collapsed in the decisive stretch in a way that left no doubt about who the final winner would be.
In the final quarter, the Vitorian team barely managed to score 6 points, while Partizan executed a run of 15-6 that completely sealed the match. This offensive collapse at the most critical moment of the game reflects the difficulties Baskonia faces in maintaining concentration and intensity over the full 40 minutes. The lack of fresh resources, due to the absence of new signings, may have influenced this final drop in performance.
Balance and future perspective
The defeat leaves the Vitorians with a record of 1-10 in the continental competition, a figure that reflects the difficulties facing the project this Euroliga season. Partizan, for its part, reached six victories and five losses, establishing itself as an uncomfortable rival in the competition.
For Baskonia, the road to recovery remains complicated. The arrival of new signings will be crucial for the team to offer greater offensive and defensive versatility. However, such performances in the final quarter, where the intensity suddenly disappears, suggest that the problems go beyond just a lack of players. Mental consistency and the ability to maintain a competitive level throughout the 40 minutes will be key aspects to work on for upcoming matches in the European competition.
This is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Baskonia cae en Belgrado tras colapso en el último cuarto