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EuroLeague leader Fenerbahce Beko held on to defeat Serbian side Partizan 81-78 at Ulker Sports and Event Hall, securing its eighth straight victory and strengthening its position near the top of the standings.
With one game still in hand, the Istanbul club recorded its 21st win of the season. At the same time, Partizan suffered its 20th defeat in a tightly contested matchup that remained undecided until the final seconds.
The game got underway with both teams trading baskets, as neither side managed to pull away early.
The first quarter played out evenly and ended tied at 20-20, reflecting the back-and-forth rhythm that would define much of the night.
Partizan then began to edge ahead in the second period. After responding to a brief 4-0 run by the home team with a stronger scoring stretch, the Serbian side moved in front midway through the quarter and carried that momentum into halftime, heading to the locker room with a 39-35 lead.
Fenerbahce Beko gradually worked its way back into the game through production from its guards, while Partizan struggled with consecutive turnovers. The Turkish side drew level at 45-45 in the 26th minute, setting up a phase in which the lead repeatedly changed hands.
As the third quarter wound down, the home team managed to string together more efficient possessions and moved ahead 57-56 going into the final period, setting up a tense finish.
Backed by strong crowd support, Fenerbahce Beko came out aggressively in the fourth quarter. Points from Tarik Biberovic and Talen Horton-Tucker helped the hosts open a small gap, while improved defensive pressure slowed Partizan’s offense.
The Istanbul side led 66-60 midway through the quarter, though Partizan responded with a short run to keep the outcome in doubt.
Entering the final two and a half minutes, Fenerbahce Beko remained ahead 71-67, and the closing moments turned into a tightly contested exchange.
Horton-Tucker and Biberovic held their composure at the free-throw line in the final seconds, allowing the home team to close the game out and secure an 81-78 victory.
Talen Horton-Tucker led all scorers with 29 points, while Wade Baldwin added 17 to help drive the win. For Partizan, Bruno Fernando scored 18 points, Carlik Jones contributed 17, and Duane Washington finished with 15, though their efforts were not enough to overturn the late deficit.
The match was officiated by Emilio Perez of Spain, Ioannis Foufis of Greece, and Manuel Attard of Italy. Fenerbahce Club president Sadettin Saran and board members followed the game from the stands.
Before tipoff, fans unveiled a banner depicting the First Battle of Kosovo, which took place on June 28, 1389.
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