By Cesare Milanti / info@eurohoops.net
Bologna, Italy – Everything was ready in the historic PalaDozza arena in Bologna for Virtus’ first EuroLeague game in almost 15 years. The new version of AS Monaco, though, had something else in mind, as they came out with a convincing 83-66 away victory.
The Monegasques counted a lot on Mike James’ contribution.
The former EA7 Emporio Armani Milan player, who has been covered by heavy boos throughout the night, completed the game with a massive performance of 26 points, 3 rebounds, and 5 assists, shooting 7/9 from the field.
Elie Okobo was a great scoring partner, as the French guard ended his night with 13 points and 3/5 from three-point range. Alpha Diallo gave his all both on offense and defense with 15 points and 4 rebounds, being perfect from the free-throw line (6/6).
“We did a great game today, delivering on both sides of the floor. It was a big challenge, a big team. I’m extra happy about this win. It’s the beginning of the competition, it was a great win on the road. I need everybody to be accountable. During the game, I didn’t feel that we could lose. I think we got a lot from the newcomers like Blossomgame or Okobo”, coach Sasa Obradovic said in the press conference.
For Virtus the 2021-22 EuroCup MVP Mam Jaiteh dominated under the basket for the first two quarters, ending with 9 points and 4 rebounds. Newcomers Iffe Lundberg (14 p., 6 r.) and Jordan Mickey (11 p., 3 r.) had some good performances as well in their first EuroLeague game with Virtus Bologna, but they weren’t enough.
“We know that Monaco is one of the top teams in the EuroLeague, and they proved it. Thanks to the fans who created a great atmosphere. It was a great lesson for us, we know which level of physicality is required to compete in this competition. It’s very important to learn fast. It was probably good somehow to have faced the reality of this competition. From then on, we have to learn from our mistakes and work to grow. I think we did some good things too”, coach Sergio Scariolo commented about the loss.
Before halftime, Virtus Bologna managed to contain Monaco’s physicality, but from the third quarter (11-23) on, Sasa Obradovic‘s team ran the court and found way better opportunities than its opponents, despite a crazy atmosphere in PalaDozza. The home side tried to come back in the last period of the game (19-20), but the opponents didn’t permit them to play at a high tempo.
Sergio Scariolo didn’t have his full roster available, as Toko Shengelia, Milos Teodosic, and Awudu Abass were injured, while AS Monaco was at full strength. Sergio Scariolo decided to sideline Michele Ruzzier and Leo Menalo.
After this victory, AS Monaco will face at home the reigning champions of Anadolu Efes on the 13th of October at 19:00 CET. Virtus Bologna, instead, will now host Andrea Trinchieri’s Bayern Munich in PalaDozza on the same day at 20:30 CET.
PHOTO CREDIT: Turkish Airlines EuroLeague