Scavolini - Partizan 98-86

Pesaro, ITALY, February 6 (telebasket.com) - The result is anything but predictable, especially with Partizan needing a victory to stay alive in a group where five teams are battling for the same three playoff spots.

Despite having already defeated Partizan in Belgrade, Scavolini has lost its last two at home. Led by former Partizan captain Miroslav Beric, Scavolini will have to break that streak against a visitor whose last victory was a big road upset at Ural Great. Partizan needs to find alternative weapons to the duo of Vlado Scepanovic (21.4 ppg) and Jovo Stanojevic (17.5 ppg). When those two explode, as they did for 40 and 32 points, respectively, against Ural, Partizan becomes difficult to stop. The only other consistent scorer is point guard Milos Vujanic (11.7 ppg.).

Scavolini must pay particular attention to Partizan's drive-and-dish play, which it uses to set up the most accurate three-point attack in the Euroleague (46,3%). Only a patient, alert defense can defend that perimeter and also stop Stanojevic inside. Scavolini and Partizan grab the same number of rebounds (30.3 vs. 29.0) and also having the same two-point shooting accuracy (50.2% vs. 49.8%). Both teams like to run to produce open three-point shots in transition. Partizan makes a higher percentage, but also commits more turnovers. Whichever team can convert more threes has the best chance of winning this game.

Euroleague, Group D, Match week 13, Pesaro, ITALY, February 6

Scavolini Pesaro (ITALY) - Partizan Belgrade (YUGOSLAVIA) 98-86 (24-20, 30-22, 23-17, 21-27)

SCAVOLINI: Booker 7, Johnson 17, Gigena 14, Ferri, Middleton 16, Pecile 18, Traina 6, Tusek 16, Maggioli 4.

PARTIZAN: Scepanovic 6, Petrovic 9, Nadifej 2, Ostojic 4, Stanojevic 8, Materic 2, Glintic, Krstic 16, Vujanic 27, Avdalovic, Canak 12.