FC Barcelona claimed a victory of pride and character at Partizan Belgrade (76–78) in a game decided by a spectacular three-pointer from Will Clyburn in the final moments. After a more inconsistent first half, they produced a strong collective reaction to turn the score around and earn a valuable win on one of the EuroLeague’s toughest courts.

From more to less

It all began with good momentum, accurate from the perimeter and maintaining a solid offensive rhythm that allowed them to finish the first quarter ahead (17–18). Satoransky, with a key three-pointer, together with contributions from Shengelia and Clyburn, guided a solid start.

But in the second quarter, the home team stepped up. Led by Duane Washington and Tyrique Jones, the Serbians put together a 15–0 run that completely changed the course of the game and fired up the atmosphere at the Stark Arena. Peñarroya called a timeout to halt the momentum, and Barça responded with good minutes from Vesely and Satoransky, who narrowed the gap with accurate mid-range shooting.

Even so, the closing stretch of the second quarter went again to Partizan, who were more effective from the free-throw line and solid on the offensive boards. Barça tried to cut the deficit with a last attempt from Miles Norris that didn’t find the rim. At halftime, the score was 41–33.

Blaugrana reaction

Barça came out with determination after the break, delivering a high-level third quarter, led by Shengelia, Vesely and Clyburn. A three-pointer from the Georgian and efficient play from the Czech centre turned the game around, and the Catalans closed the period ahead (56–58).

In the final quarter, the balance was absolute. The Serbians tried to break the game open with their offensive accuracy, but Barça stayed competitive. Just when everything seemed decided, Clyburn stepped up with a spectacular buzzer-beating three-pointer to nab the decisive lead. Partizan had the last possession, but couldn’t convert, and Barça sealed a hard-fought, character-driven win

MATCH STATS

PARTIZAN, 76
BARÇA, 78

Partizan: D. Osetkowski (7), V. Marinkovic (9), A. Pokusevski (2), S. Brown (9), I. Bonga (9), Washington (21), Fernando (4), Calathes (-), Jones (15).

Barça: Punter (10), Vesely (10), Satoransky (11), Clyburn (14), Shengelia (24),  J. Marcos (-), Cale (2), Norris (-), Brizuela (3), Hernangomez (3), Parra (1)

Periods: 17-18, 24-15 // 15-25, 20-20

Referees: Emin Mogulkoc, Seffi Shemmesh, Adar Peer

Força Barça