Virtus outplayed Crvena Zvezda by 85-79 in a very intriguing finish in the context of the EuroLeague and the fourth round.
Achille Polonara did not play for the home team due to injury. For the guests, Dalibor Ilic, Nemanja Bjelica, Mike Tobey, and Stefan Lazarevic were absent, as Dusko Ivanovic decided to give them a rest.
From the beginning, it was clear that the Serbian team wouldn’t easily take a victory from Bologna. Not only that, but it seemed they would struggle to even pose a threat to their opponents. Very static offensive plays by the guests marked the opening quarter, at the end of which Virtus had already established a double-digit lead. Crvena Zvezda had moments of good play, but they weren’t enough to reduce their deficit of minus 11 before the halftime break.
Whenever the guests attempted to mount a threat, Virtus had a ready response, often in the form of three-pointers, punishing every mistake by the Red and Whites. Everything changed when Shabazz Napier got involved, helping his team approach the fourth quarter with a seven-point deficit. In the end, the team from Bologna proved to be superior, although their opponent came within just three points. However, they lacked concentration in critical moments. First, Napier committed an illogical foul, and then Rokas Giedraitis did the same, thus gifting the victory to their adversary.
The top scorers for the winners were Tornike Shengelia and Marco Belinelli with 19 and 15 points, while Napier led the guests with 21 points.
In the next round, Virtus will visit Asvel, and Crvena Zvezda will face Partizan.
At the beginning, Crvena Zvezda struggled to find fluidity in their offense. Shabazz Napier had difficulty organizing plays, which was exploited by Marco Belinelli on the other end. After an initial 8-2 lead for the opponents, the Red and Whites managed to consolidate and catch up, thanks in large part to Joel Bolomboy. He contributed with several offensive rebounds that led to additional possessions for the guests. However, this didn’t last long, as Virtus, led by coach Luca Banchi, made another push. Alessandro Pajola hit a shot for Virtus’ first double-digit lead, and he capitalized on a technical foul by Marko Simonovic, making it a 15-point advantage.
Dusko Ivanovic turned to Yago dos Santos, but initially, it didn’t seem to work well alongside Miloš Teodosić, who struggled to find his shooting rhythm. However, Teodosic managed to orchestrate some good plays, and after one such action, Adam Hanga hit a three-pointer to cut the deficit to six. Virtus took nearly four minutes to score their first points in the second quarter, suggesting that Belgrade was making a comeback. It appeared so, but that very basket provided the home team with additional energy, and they capitalized on it to take a 34-22 lead. Virtus maintained their advantage until halftime, comfortably awaiting the second half.
At the start of the third quarter, Ivanović’s team showed resilience, but the score didn’t change dramatically. During these moments, the game became chaotic, and it didn’t help the Red and Whites that Nemanja Nedovic couldn’t continue due to an injury. The empty possessions for the guests were punished by Belinelli once again, with a three-pointer to extend the lead to 14. Rokas Giedraitis hit back-to-back threes, followed by points from Napier, cutting the deficit in half before the final 10 minutes.
It seemed that the guests might seriously threaten their opponents, but Virtus quickly restored their double-digit lead. The Serbian team missed several three-pointers in their attempt to reduce the home team’s lead, and time was running out. Despite Virtus having a double-digit lead and what appeared to be a secured victory, Crvena zvezda managed to come within just four points, with possession and one minute left in the game. This was a result of a technical foul that Shengelia committed on Napier, creating a dramatic scenario.
In the end, the Red and Whites made a crucial mistake. After hitting a three-pointer, the American point guard fouled to send Virtus to the free-throw line, trailing by three points with 26 seconds remaining. Pajola made both free throws to increase the lead to five, and Napier responded with a two-pointer. However, Giedraitis committed another foul shortly afterward. Following his foul, Belinelli made one free throw and gained possession of the ball. Virtus quickly extended their lead to six points, sealing the victory.
VIRTUS – CRVENA ZVEZDA 85:79 (26:15, 18:18, 18:22, 23:24)
Arena: Pala Dozza, Bologna; Referees: Peruga, Dragojevic, Thepenier.
Virtus: Cordinier 11, Lundberg 10, Belinelli 15, Pajola 9, Smith, Dobric 2, Cacok, Shengelia 19, Hackett 4, Mickey 13, Dunston 1, Abass.
Crvena zvezda: Teodosic 5, Hanga 11, Davidovac 4, Mitrovic 14, Lazic 4, Simonovic 1, Napier 23, Bolomboy 8, Nedovic 3, Giedraitis 6, Kuzmic, Dos Santos.