Partizan closes EuroLeague season with commanding 91-79 victory over Baskonia
Partizan closes EuroLeague season with dominant win over Baskonia Photo Credit: KK Partizan Mozzart Bet
Partizan brought their EuroLeague regular season to a satisfying conclusion with a convincing 91-79 triumph over Baskonia at their Belgrade fortress. The victory capped off what had been a rollercoaster continental campaign for both sides, with each team eager to end on a positive note despite their playoff hopes having already evaporated.
The hosts entered the contest without key contributors Duane Washington and Vanja Marinkovic, but Joan Penarroya received a significant boost with the season debut of Mario Nakic. The forward finally returned to action after recovering from his ACL tear, providing additional depth for the crucial finale.
Jekiri dominates in the paint as Partizan controls proceedings
Partizan established early control through balanced scoring, taking a 26-20 advantage after the opening period. Tonye Jekiri and Sterling Brown emerged as the decisive x-factors, dominating proceedings in the paint and setting the tone for what would become a comprehensive victory.
Baskonia, missing Khalifa Diop and Tadas Sedekerskis, fought back through the athletic dunks of Mamadi Diakite, but Paolo Galbiati’s side struggled to contain Partizan’s interior presence. The hosts maintained their momentum to carry a 44-37 lead into the half-time break.
The third period saw continued exchanges, with Dylan Osetkowski and Bruno Fernando providing scoring punch for the visitors. However, Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot‘s timely responses kept Baskonia at arm’s length, as Partizan preserved their seven-point cushion (66-59) heading into the final frame.
Jekiri’s return to the court in the fourth quarter proved decisive, as his inside scoring overwhelmed Baskonia’s defense and sealed the victory for the Belgrade side. The center finished with a team-high 16 points, while Carlik Jones contributed 13 points alongside seven rebounds and six assists in a well-rounded performance.
A strong finale for @PartizanBC this season who finish strong in Belgrade! #EveryGameMatters pic.twitter.com/xjG9nil1vX
— EuroLeague (@EuroLeague) April 16, 2026
Diakite led all scorers with 20 points for Baskonia, supported by Luwawu-Cabarrot’s 13-point contribution, but their efforts proved insufficient against Partizan’s balanced attack.
The victory improved Partizan’s final EuroLeague record to 16-22, while Baskonia concluded their campaign at 13-25. Despite the continental disappointment, both teams can now refocus on domestic priorities, with Partizan preparing for the Eternal Derby against Crvena Zvezda as they pursue home-court advantage in their ABA League title defense.
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