By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net
Virtus Bologna made a strong start in their clash against Zalgiris Kaunas, showing composure and determination throughout the contest. The hosts controlled key moments and stayed resilient under pressure.
The game ended 83–79 in favor of Dusko Ivanovic’s side, allowing the Italian team to claim an important win and improve to 10–10 in the standings.
Derrick Alston led the winners with 20 points and six rebounds, while Matt Morgan added 15 points. Luca Vildoza contributed 12 points, including a crucial three-pointer down the stretch, and Carsen Edwards and Saliou Niang chipped in 11 points each for Virtus.
For Zalgiris Kaunas, Azoulas Tubelis topped the scoring with 22 points, while Nigel Williams-Goss recorded the highest PIR of the game with 25, finishing with 17 points, six assists, and five rebounds. Moses Wright added 19 points and seven rebounds, and Sylvain Francisco posted a double-double with 10 points and 10 assists.
Virtus opened with a 16–6 run, but Zalgiris quickly trimmed the deficit to 25–22 before the first break. The hosts maintained their lead, going into halftime ahead 43–34. In the third quarter, Virtus extended their advantage to 63–51 late in the period, though Zalgiris finished strong to cut the gap to 63–56.
In the fourth quarter, Zalgiris tied the score at 74–74, but Luca Vildoza hit a big three-pointer with just over a minute remaining to give Virtus a 79–74 lead. Zalgiris continued to push with a five-point run, but Virtus stayed composed from the free-throw line to secure the 83–79 win.