MATCH OF THE ROUND: The new chapter of Belgrade eternal derby

One of the most exciting encounters of each and every ABA League season is ahead of us – the eternal Belgrade derby of Crvena zvezda mts and Partizan NIS will be the last one in the ABA League Round 8.

ABA League 8th round, Monday, 7.11.2016

CRVENA ZVEZDA MTS – PARTIZAN NIS

Where? Aleksandar Nikolić Hall, Belgrade

When? 21:00

Story of the game: If there is a game that you for sure don’t want to miss at any time during any ABA League regular season, it is the eternal derby of Belgrade between the arch rivals Crvena zvezda mts and Partizan NIS and this time it will be no different.

The stakes are perhaps even higher than they usually are, since both teams are currently serious candidates for the very top of the ABA League standings! As the red and white are occupying the first place, still undefeated, the black and white are challenging them with only one loss on their account so far this season!

If Zvezda win, they will pull away from their arch rivals. If they don’t, however, they will be eliminated from the top and will found themselves in the same position as Partizan and, possibly, Cibona.

Both teams have suffered some wounds lately, as Partizan NIS were defeated for the first time this ABA League season last round, playing at home agains Budućnost VOLI, while on the other side the tough rhythm of games left its mark on the performances of Zvezda, which had a difficult time winning on the road against Mornar last round, while losing the last two games in the Euroleague.

However, the team that will be able to recover more swiftly, will be probably the one to take the glory this time – the glory of the basketball ruler of the city. At least until the next time they meet…

Crvena zvezda mts will play this time without Nikola Rebić, while at Partizan NIS everyone is ready for the battle.

Match-up in focus: There is no question regarding which players are the leaders on court for both teams – they are the point guards Stefan Jović and William Hatcher. While Jović is usually a pass-first oriented player, Hatcher is known above all as an excellent and prolific scorer. Which way will be more valuable this time around?

Head to head in regional league: In total 13:18; In Crvena zvezda mts' court: 6:8.