Partizan Edges Sloboda 63-55 to Reach Serbian League Final Four

Key facts

• Partizan defeated Sloboda 63-55 (20:17, 13:11, 17:12, 13:15) in the second game of the quarterfinal series.
• The series ended 2-0, sending Partizan to the Final Four of the Serbian Super League.
• The Final Four will be held on May 29-31 in the Čair Hall in Niš.
• Partizan's top scorers were Šejk Milton with 14 points and Karlik Džouns with 12 points.
• Sloboda's Milan Šuškavčević recorded a double-double: 15 points and 11 rebounds.
• Sloboda captain Đorđe Božić also posted a double-double: 14 points and 12 rebounds.
• Partizan's Arijan Lakić suffered a facial cut from an accidental elbow by Bruno Fernando but returned to play.
• The first game in Belgrade ended 103-77 in favor of Partizan.

Hard-Fought Victory in Užice

Partizan Mozzart Bet secured their place in the inaugural Final Four of the Serbian Super League with a tense 63-55 win over Sloboda in Užice on Saturday. The victory completed a 2-0 sweep of the quarterfinal series, but it was far from the routine performance many had expected after their 103-77 demolition of Sloboda in the first leg at the Belgrade Arena. From the opening tip, Sloboda showed no fear, matching Partizan's intensity and disrupting their offensive rhythm. The hosts led early and kept the game close throughout the first half, trailing by just three points after the first quarter (17-20) and by five at halftime (28-33).

Sloboda's Physical Defense Stuns Partizan

Sloboda's game plan centered on aggressive defense, frequent double-teams, and physical play that clearly unsettled Partizan. The visitors struggled to find their usual flow, committing turnovers and forcing low-percentage shots. The second quarter was particularly ugly, with both teams mired in offensive inefficiency. Partizan's backcourt duo of Šejk Milton and Karlik Džouns eventually provided the spark, using individual drives and skill to create separation late in the first half. Milton finished with 14 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists, while Džouns added 12 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists. Their ability to break down Sloboda's defense proved decisive.

Sloboda's Frontcourt Dominates but Foul Trouble Bites

Sloboda's strength came from their frontcourt tandem of center Milan Šuškavčević and captain Đorđe Božić. Šuškavčević posted 15 points and 11 rebounds, while Božić contributed 14 points and 12 rebounds, along with 5 assists. Combo guard Petar Bogićević added 11 points, 3 assists, and 2 steals. However, foul trouble hampered Sloboda's efforts. Šuškavčević picked up his third foul just before halftime, and Božić also found himself in foul difficulty. This forced Sloboda to adjust their rotation, limiting their effectiveness in the second half.

Injury Scare for Lakić

A dramatic moment occurred in the third quarter when Partizan's Arijan Lakić suffered a facial cut after an accidental elbow from Partizan center Bruno Fernando. Lakić was rushed to the locker room for treatment, with blood streaming from a gash above his eye. He returned to the court midway through the fourth quarter with a bandage between his eyebrows, showing resilience that lifted his team. Lakić had earlier sparked Partizan's first-quarter comeback with five consecutive points, a steal, and an energy boost that helped his team recover from an early deficit.

Decisive Third Quarter Run

The turning point came in the final seconds of the third quarter. Despite excellent defense from Sloboda's Dimitrije Kondić, Karlik Džouns converted a difficult shot while being fouled and then made the free throw, giving Partizan their first double-digit lead at 50-40. From there, the visitors managed the game effectively, repelling every Sloboda rally in the fourth quarter. Partizan's defense tightened, holding Sloboda to just 13 points in the final period. The hosts never got closer than eight points in the last quarter, and Džouns sealed the win with free throws in the closing seconds.

Final Four Awaits in Niš

With the victory, Partizan advances to the Final Four of the Serbian Super League, a new format for the domestic championship. The tournament will be held from May 29 to 31 at the Čair Hall in Niš. Partizan will face the winner of the other quarterfinal series between FMP and Mega. For Sloboda, the season ends with a valiant effort that earned respect. They pushed a European powerhouse to the limit in front of a packed home crowd, showcasing the depth of Serbian basketball. Partizan coach Đoan Penjaroja acknowledged the difficulty of the game, stating that his team did not play well but managed to secure the necessary result. The focus now shifts to the ABA League playoffs, which begin on Wednesday.

The bottom line

• Partizan swept the quarterfinal series 2-0 but struggled against a determined Sloboda team, winning 63-55 in Užice.
• Sloboda's frontcourt of Šuškavčević and Božić combined for 29 points and 23 rebounds, nearly pulling off an upset.
• Partizan's guards Milton and Džouns were the difference-makers, scoring 26 points collectively and making key plays down the stretch.
• The Final Four of the Serbian Super League will debut in Niš from May 29-31, with Partizan as one of the participants.
• Partizan now turns its attention to the ABA League playoffs, starting Wednesday, while Sloboda's season is over.