Red Star takes 2-0 lead in KLS Finals

Belgrade, Serbia – Crvena Zvezda “Red Star” Telekom Beograd came away with a 69-72 victory over rivals BC Partizan NiS Beograd and now have a 2-0 advantage in the Serbian KLS Finals. Partizan put up a good fight in this game, but Red Star has had their number for much of the season. The visiting Crvena Zvezda are looking to add yet another trophy in their case for the 2014/15 season. They already are proud winners of the Adriatic League this season and are now a step closer to bagging the Serbian league crown.

The game remained close for most of its duration. Contrary to their normally strong starts, the guests could not pull away early and only managed a two-point lead, 17-19, after the first quarter. Partizan continued with high-pressure defense in the second frame, but Red Star still managed to up their advantage to four points. As the whistle signalling the halftime break sounded, the scoreboard registered 36-40 in favor of Crvena Zvezda.

After the break, Red Star continued to retain control of the game and Partizan found themselves unable to provide answers as far as slowing down the red shirts’ backcourt was concerned. Partizan mounted a rally in the fourth quarter, much to elation of their fans in attendance. Unfortunately for the white shirts, Red Star held strong and kept enough of a lead to finish with the win.

Charles Jenkins led Crvena Zvezda with a game-high 18 points, while teammates Marcus Williams and Nikola Kalinic added 15 and 12 points, respectively.

Milan Macvan led three other Partizan players to score in double figures with 14 points and nine rebounds. Aleksandar Pavlovic scored 11 points.

Red Star are the favorites to sweep this series with their derby rivals, but does Partizan have enough to come up with the upset and steal a game or two?