Partizan 1953 secured the title of Serbian champions in the Pioneers’ basketball tournament. They triumphed over Korać Academy 011 with a 75-72 score in the final match held in Šapču. The game was played in a vibrant basketball atmosphere.
Korać Academy established a seven-point lead in the first quarter, thanks to the scoring of Jošić and Lukić. By the 15th minute, Korać extended their lead to 15 points, reaching a score of 33-18. Partizan managed to reduce the deficit slightly by halftime, leaving Korać with a 10-point lead at 40-30.
The largest lead for Korać came in the 24th minute, where they led 53-33. Partizan then staged a comeback, reducing the gap to just three points by the end of the quarter at 59-56. In the 33rd minute, Partizan tied the game at 61-61 thanks to a play by Perić. A minute later, they took the lead 65-63, thanks to Cvijetić.
With three minutes to go, Partizan led by seven points at 72-65, seeming to have secured the victory. Korać responded with a six-point surge, closing to within one point. However, Partizan's concentration held, and they emerged victorious.
In the winning team, Perić scored 29 points, Bodrožić scored 16, and Ben Kemais added 10. For Korać Academy, Lukić scored 24 points, Savić 23, and both Jošić and Mitrović contributed 11 points each.
Novosadska ŽKA Third, MBA Fourth
In the match for third place, Novosadska Ženska Košarkaška Akademija defeated MBA 56-45. Jovanov led the winning team with 19 points, Ćulum and Samardžija each contributing 12. In the losing team, Ilić scored 14 points and Novaković added 11.
Ras Fifth, Imperijum Basket Sixth
In the match for fifth place, Ras from Belgrade outscored Imperijum Basket from Leskovac 55-38. Đorđić scored 16 points, Stojanović 11, and Marković 10 for the winners. Spasić scored 15 and Mitrović 12 for the losers.
Duga Seventh, Srem Eighth
Duga from Šabac secured the seventh place, defeating Srem from Sremska Mitrovica 67-45. Stanišić led the winning team with 22 points, Stanković added 11, and Maričić scored 10. In the losing team, Mirčeta scored 22 points and Popović added eight.
This is a historic win for Partizan 1953! The comeback was electrifying, but can they maintain this momentum in future tournaments? Let's see if they can defend their title next year!