Partizan used an incredible fourth-quarter performance to rally past Anadolu Efes at Sinan Erdem Dome (84-97) and come closer to clinching a playoff spot.
Trailing by one after three quarters (64-63), the Serbians erupted for 34 points in the fourth quarter to outscore the reigning champions 20-34 and cruise to a crucial road win.
“I believe we played, after this, a very good game, and I’m really very proud of my players because this victory is very important for us. Again, against a team that is European champion that I’m sure will continue to fight to be in the best eight.
And this team, if they go to the best eight, I don’t think that any team will want to go against them in the playoffs,” Partizan head coach Zeljko Obradovic said afterwards.
On the other hand, the hosts, who led by 17 early in the game (23-6), were in control until late in the third, but collapsed in the fourth and suffered a painful home defeat, which trims their playoff chances.
Kevin Punter led five players in double digits for the winners with 19 points, whereas Will Clyburn had a game-high 22 points and eight rebounds for the losing squad.
With its victory, Partizan climbed to 16-13 in the standings and swept the season series with Efes, which fell to 14-15, with five games to go in the regular season. The visitors also claimed the tiebreaker over the defending champions.