By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
Crvena Zvezda Meridianbet had to work harder than expected, but Dusko Ivanovic’s team got the job done in Round 3 of the ABA League, getting back on the winning track after losing to Zalgiris in EuroLeague, with an 87-93 win over Borac Mozzart.
After a shooting slump in Kaunas less than 48 hours ago, Shabazz Napier had a solid night, leading the Belgrade team to its third ABA League win with 18 points. Rokas Giedraitis followed with 16 points and just one miss from the field (4/5 for three), Nemanja Nedovic added 13 points, while Joel Bolomboy and Milos Teodosic added 10 each, with both being on the verge of double-doubles, as the Ukrainian-born Russian-American center had seven boards, while Serbian mastermind dished eight assists.
For Borac, who showed great fighting spirit against Zvezda’s EuroLeague squad despite conceding the first defeat of the season, Ronaldo Segu had 23 points, Tylan Birts added 18, while Javon Franklin finished with 11, and Uros Carapic with 10 points.
Crvena Zvezda continues sharing the top with Partizan Mozzart Bet and Buducnost Voli, with all sides sharing a 3-0 record at the beginning of the season.
The Belgrade side will now host Monaco in Round 3 of the EuroLeague, with the French side also winning prior to their clash.
ABA League Round 3:
Zadar – Mornar 92-57
Cedevita Olimpija – Split 97-68
Igokea – Studentski Centar 91-82
Buducnost – Krka 82-69
Partizan – Cibona 96-67 (story)
Borac – Crvena Zvezda 87-93
FMP – Mega 73-83
Standings: Partizan 3-0, Buducnost 3-0, Crvena Zvezda 3-0, Igokea 2-1…