Partizan beats Red Star in overtime

Partizan Belgrade defeated Red Star 85-82 in overtime on Thursday, October 22, during the 7th round of the Euroleague. Carlik Jones scored 26 points, and Alessandro Pajola made the game-winning free throw.

Coaches and officials from Spain and elsewhere

Both benches were coached by Spanish coaches: Joan Peñarroya for Partizan, Ibon Navarro for Red Star. The French Thomas Bissuel was part of the officiating trio, along with the Spaniard Carlos Peruga and the Ukrainian Borys Ryzhyk.

Game progression and overtime highlights

Partizan dominated the first quarter (31-21 after ten minutes, 52-38 at halftime) and entered the fourth quarter with a 15-point lead (65-50). Red Star then won the quarter 25-10 to force overtime (75-75). In the extra time, the visitors led 82-79 with 1:28 remaining after a free throw by Ebuka Izundu. Carlik Jones tied the game with a three-pointer with 1:02 remaining, and then Alessandro Pajola, assisted by Arijan Lakic, gave Partizan the lead with 17 seconds left (85-82). Red Star did not score again.

Player performances and team stats

Carlik Jones finished with 26 points on 10 of 17 shooting, 4 rebounds, 5 assists, and 28 points in evaluation. Lamar Stevens added 16 points, Kevarrius Hayes 13 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 blocks. On the Red Star side, Chris Jones scored 22 points (23 points in evaluation), Jordan Nwora 16 points and 8 rebounds, Semi Ojeleye 13 points. Partizan made 26 of its 38 two-point shots; Red Star converted 20 of its 27 free throws.

Fans protest and political context

According to a tweet by Mario Bojic, more than 25,000 Red Star and Partizan fans were chanting against Aleksandar Vučić and his party. After 30 years of fierce rivalry, Red Star and Partizan fans united against the pro EU government. Snap elections described as crucial for Serbia are scheduled for Sunday.

Coach's comments and player recognition

Joan Peñarroya cited Joffrey Lauvergne after the victory. Joffrey Lauvergne played 6 minutes (0 points, 1 assist), Bandja Sy did not enter the game. In a press conference, according to the Serbian daily Kurir, Joan Peñarroya stated that his team had "deserved the victory" despite a difficult fourth quarter in attack. "It is clear that Carlik is very important for us, but it is impossible to win with him alone," he added, before citing the Frenchman: "Joffrey played four excellent minutes at the start."

Player background and game atmosphere

The 35-year-old center had shone more in the Adriatic League than in the Euroleague at the start of the season, as his statistics before the arrival of Panathinaikos showed. According to BasketNews, supporters from both teams clashed in the stands before the game started. "I would like to play without interruption, without torches, but the atmosphere is really great," commented Joan Peñarroya.

Upcoming matches and player dispute

Partizan ended a three-game losing streak, Red Star ended a four-game winning streak, including the buzzer-beater victory against ASVEL at the Astroballe on October 13. Both clubs now have four wins and three losses. The official schedule sends Partizan to the LDLC Arena on Wednesday, October 28, at 8:00 PM, for the 8th round, facing an ASVEL team that has lost three games in a row. This will be Joffrey Lauvergne's return to Lyon, having played in Villeurbanne from 2022 to 2025, and according to Eurohoops, he is claiming 300,000 euros from his former club, which ASVEL disputes. Red Star hosts Maccabi Tel-Aviv the day before.