EuroLeague: Crvena Zvezda Defeats Paris, Stays in Top 6 Hunt (94-81)

BELGRADE — Crvena Zvezda defeated Paris 94-81 in EuroLeague action, securing a crucial victory at Belgrade Arena that keeps the Serbian team firmly in contention for the Play-In and Top 6 of the EuroLeague. Led by Codi Miller-McIntyre's double-double, Saša Obradović's squad bounced back from two consecutive losses with a vital win in the final stretch of the regular season.

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The EuroLeague matchup between Crvena Zvezda and Paris began with the home team setting the pace of the game. The Serbian squad found good offensive opportunities in the opening minutes and managed to build a small lead thanks to their defensive intensity and ball movement.

However, Paris responded in the second quarter and even momentarily took the lead on the scoreboard, capitalizing on the offensive accuracy of Nadir Hifi, who finished as his team's leading scorer with 20 points. Justin Robinson and Jared Rhoden also contributed 13 points each, keeping the visitors competitive in the contest.

Before halftime, Crvena Zvezda regained control of the game, recovering the advantage and heading into the second half with better momentum. The true turning point came after the break.

In the third quarter, Saša Obradović's team produced one of their best stretches of the game. Defense elevated several notches and the offense found continuity, allowing Crvena Zvezda to build a solid lead that began to widen the scoreboard gap.

Offensive leadership was well distributed. Codi Miller-McIntyre posted a spectacular double-double of 16 points and 14 assists (PIR 30), directing the Serbian attack with authority. Chima Moneke was the most efficient player with 21 points and 9 rebounds (PIR 32), while Ognjen Dobrić added 19 points with five crucial three-pointers. In the paint, Ebuka Izundu contributed 13 points and 6 rebounds.

In the fourth quarter, Crvena Zvezda managed their lead solidly, relying on their defense and efficient offense that put the game out of reach. Paris tried to stay in contention, but never managed to get close enough to seriously threaten the home victory.

Crvena Zvezda's EuroLeague victory carries significant weight in the standings. The Serbian team improves their record to 20-16, staying very close to direct playoff positions and the Top 6 of the EuroLeague in the final stretch of the season.

For Paris, already eliminated from contention for the top spots, the loss confirms their complicated situation in the standings despite competing for much of the game in Belgrade.