BASKONIA VITORIA – VIRTUS SEGAFREDO BOLOGNA 90-79 (17-14, 45-31; 63-51)
At the end of a really strange game, Virtus was defeated by Vitoria. For long stretches, the bianconeri adapted to the very high pace favored by Baskonia, and it did not go very well (euphemism) also considering the three absences and therefore the reduced rotations. Lots of shooting errors (Jaiteh was tragic in this regard), turnovers and even -20 in the third quarter. However, the Bianconeri have not sunk, relying on those who usually play little or nothing in the Euroleague. Belinelli and Mannion kept Segafredo afloat in the fourth period, also bringing her back to -7 and straightening out the shooting percentages a bit. With 90 points conceded it wasn’t enough to win, but at least a new Piraeus was avoided. But for sure – considering also the absences – it was necessary to approach the game in a different way, because Penarroya’s team exalts itself at a high pace, and tonight they were able to do it throughout the game, proving to be in an amazing period of form. despite Howard’s very few minutes.
Report: the first quarter is at a frantic pace, but little is scored between shooting mistakes, turnovers and so-so choices (understatement). 17-14 Baskonia at the first stop, with a curious 0/6 from two for Shengelia and 3/13 overall.
However, the high pace favors the hosts, who as soon as they adjust their aim from three, they break away, and fly to +15 (36-21), while beyond there are some good shots – but not scored – by Belinelli and a couple of Jaiteh’s blunders. Shooting percentages are tragic, and in the middle Baskonia is ahead 45-31.
It starts again and it is immediately night. After a minute of the third quarter, Virtus is in the abyss, at -19. Shengelia tries to light up (10 in the fourth), and the former Cremona Hommes gives a couple of gifts, but it’s definitely not the evening. In defense Segafredo is never there, and in front of him he loses balls in a flurry. The -20 (63-43) also arrives, while Jaiteh continues to get everything wrong wrong. But Belinelli didn’t, and in the 30th minute there was still a match: 63-51.
Last quarter: Belinelli is there, and in general the Juventus attack is going better. Baskonia goes up and down, and when Mannion lights up with 7 points in a row, Segafredo goes back to -7 (78-71). Hope, however, lasts two actions. Former Brindisi Darius Thompson first scores, then sends Costello to the basket. A 5-0 that ends it here, in fact, even if you still play until the end. There is also time for a technician to Hackett, and ends 90-79.
BASKONIA VITORIA – VIRTUS SEGAFREDO BOLOGNA 90-79 (17-14, 45-31; 63-51)
VITORIA: Howard 7; Raieste NE; Henry 3; Sedekerskis 12; Marinkovic 22; Ten 6; Thompson 6; Kozar 12; Enoch 10; Costello 4; Giedrite 8; NE men. there. penarroya
BOLOGNA: Building 11; Belinelli 15; Pail 0; 8 houses; Jaiteh 6; Lundberg 7; Shengelia 15; Hackett 4; NE camera; Weem 6; Theodosius 7. All. Alarming
