You Can't Win a Title If You Can't Score

It must be acknowledged, the Black and Whites displayed a much better tactical and strategic approach in the second game compared to the first. Joan Peñarroya adapted and managed to tame the mythical beast that was Mfiondu Kabengele in the first half. Jekiri and Fernando, much like against Crvena Zvezda in the semi-finals, made a difference with their scoring, and the defense, at times, was truly top-notch.

However, towards the end of the third quarter, a hint of what was to come emerged. Firstly, it must also be admitted, Dubai hit some improbable shots, and Kabengele woke up. Secondly, the momentum drastically shifted in favor of the hosts after those baskets, and in the fourth quarter, everything went their way.

Alexander Sekulić's players weren't doing anything spectacular defensively, yet the Black and Whites appeared confused, which was uncharacteristic under Peñarroya's leadership. Again, Dubai was sinking shots that, statistically, shouldn't go in, while Partizan, on the other hand, couldn't get anything to fall. Three points in six minutes and 13 seconds in a championship game simply isn't enough.

That's not how you win titles, and this is a problem that needs an immediate solution. There are four days until the third game, and Peñarroya must find a way to ignite the team when everything is on the line, otherwise, the title is heading to the Middle East.

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