With just one minute and 51 seconds remaining in the game, Jamari Smith sank a three-pointer at Belgrade Arena, bringing Mornar level with Partizan at 81:81 in a thrilling encounter during the 24th round of the AdmiralBet ABA League.

However, in the final minute, the “black and whites” scored five unanswered points to secure an 86:81 advantage, quelling Mornar’s hopes of pulling off a remarkable upset in what could be considered the biggest surprise of the season, or even in several years.

Partizan emerged victorious with a final score of 89:84, tying them for first place with Buducnost (21-3), while Mornar remains at the bottom of the standings with just a single win.

This match presented Mornar with nothing to lose, while Željko Obradović’s squad entered following a decisive defeat to Efes in the Euroleague and failed to show their usual form tonight.

Mornar kicked off the game with a swift 2:0 lead courtesy of Runjić’s points, but Partizan quickly responded, establishing a 7:2 lead and then extending it to double digits after Majka’s three-pointer at 22:11.

Partizan couldn’t pull away, and Mornar seized the opportunity; a three-pointer from Pember brought them close at 30:27. Partizan retaliated with six straight points (36:27), but Mornar managed to reduce the deficit to just four points by halftime, trailing 40:36.

During the third quarter, Partizan maintained a nine-point lead, yet Mornar continually fought back. After a basket from Pember, they edged closer at 60:59 as the final quarter began.

Partizan surged ahead by seven points on two occasions, but Srđa Bulatović responded with back-to-back three-pointers, narrowing the gap to 74:72 with under five minutes remaining, providing Mornar a chance to equalize or gain the lead, which they unfortunately squandered.

Just four minutes from the end, Tomason nailed a three-pointer for 76:75, but Pokuševski quickly countered (79:75), only for the brilliant Bulatović to hit another three (79:78).