Zadar stun Partizan Mozzart Bet in NLB Match of the Round

2026/27 AdmiralBet ABA League Regular Season Group B, Round 8, Saturday, 14 November 2026:

ZADAR – Partizan Mozzart Bet 81:74 (27:23, 26:10, 11:16, 17:25)

PHOTO GALLERY

POST-GAME COMMENTS

Game Recap: Zadar have pulled off one of the biggest surprises of the 2026/27 AdmiralBet ABA League season, defeating previously unbeaten Partizan Mozzart Bet 81:74 in front of their home crowd at Krešimir Ćosić Arena!

Stipe Modrić's squad entered the contest with a 2-4 record, facing a Partizan team that had won all six of its previous ABA League games. However, the hosts produced an outstanding first-half performance, building a commanding 20-point lead and eventually holding off the visitors to claim a memorable victory.

The result ended Partizan's perfect start to the season, while giving Zadar a much-needed confidence boost following two consecutive defeats.

Key Moments: The opening quarter was closely contested, with Partizan enjoying several early leads thanks to Antonio Reeves and Arijan Lakić. However, Zadar gradually found their offensive rhythm, with Vladimir Mihailović scoring six consecutive points late in the period to give the hosts a 27:23 advantage after 10 minutes.

The second quarter was the key period that completely changed the course of the game. Ross Williams caught fire from beyond the arc, scoring 13 points in the period as Zadar overwhelmed the visitors with aggressive defense and excellent shooting. The hosts won the quarter 26:10 and entered halftime with a massive 53:33 lead.

Partizan Mozzart Bet were left with a mountain to climb after the break, but managed to reduce the deficit significantly in the second half. Nevertheless, Zadar preserved enough of their advantage to secure an impressive 81:74 victory and hand the Belgrade side their first AdmiralBet ABA League defeat of the season.

Man of the Match: Ross Williams played a major role in Zadar's memorable victory, producing a spectacular first-half performance that set the tone for the contest. He scored 16 points before halftime, including four three-pointers from five attempts.

Williams finished the match with 20 points, while his 2^nd quarter burst gave the home team the crucial lead.

Can't Trick the Stats: Three-point shooting proved to be one of the decisive factors in Zadar's victory. The hosts knocked down 10 of their 30 attempts from beyond the arc (33.3%), while Partizan struggled from long range, converting just 6 of 29 (20.7%).