By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Virtus recorded another EuroLeague victory in Bologna, beating Maccabi Tel Aviv 99-89 at home in Round 12.
Carsen Edwards was outstanding for the home team, getting into his trademark rhythm early, making it clear what awaited Maccabi in Italy.
Edwards ended the game with 26 points, hitting eight three-pointers out of 15 attempts. Matt Morgan added 17 points, Derrick Alston Jr. 15, and Mouhamet Diouf finished with 14 for Virtus, who played without Alen Smailagic and Brandon Taylor.
On the other side, Marcio Santos scored 19 points, one more than Jeff Dowtin, while Roman Sorkin and John DiBartolomeo each contributed 11. Maccabi played this match without T.J. Leaf and Iffe Lundberg, and although Lonnie Walker was in the squad, he did not enter the game.
After a balanced first quarter, the Italians pulled away in the second and ultimately secured the win without difficulty. Maccabi managed to cut the lead to six (90-84) late in the game, but ran out of energy and time for a comeback.
Virtus now stands at 6-6, and will visit Fenerbahce in the next round. Maccabi has three wins and nine losses, and will face Olimpia Milano next.