By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net
Despite restoring a double-digit advantage in the third quarter and pushing the lead over 20 points early in the fourth quarter, Virtus Bologna neared a meltdown before settling for a 90-85 victory against Umana Reyer Venice in Game 1 of a best-of-five series.
Storming back from a 21-point deficit, the visitors went on a 13-0 run to reduce the distance to eight points. Following a heated argument with the referees about a foul, head coach Neven Spahija was tossed with 2:04 on the clock. However, the lead was further reduced to five points. Narrowly holding on down the stretch, Vu Nere secured a home win in the series opener of the Quarterfinals of Italy’s LBA Playoff Unipol.
Six players put in double-digit scoring contributions, including Will Clyburn and Matt Morgan sharing a team-high 12 points. Alessandro Pajola and Marco Belinelli followed with 11 points apiece. Achille Polonara and Ante Zizic threw in ten points each on Sunday afternoon.
With his side in a seemingly commanding position midway through the fourth quarter, recent signing Brandon Taylor checked in for a brief showing in his debut. Nicola Akele did not play.
On the losing end, Davide Moretti tucked in 5/6 field goals en route to 19 points, a new personal best for the 2024-25 season. Mfiondu Kabengele posted a 15-point, 11-rebound double-double.
Staying in Virtus Segafredo Arena, Game 2 follows on Tuesday.
LBA Playoffs
Quarterfinals (best of five)
1. Virtus Segafredo Bologna – Umana Reyer Venice 1-0 (90-85)
2. Dolomiti Energia Trento – EA7 Emporio Armani Milan 0-1 (70-73)
3. Germani Brescia – Trieste 1-0 (89-77)
4. Trapani Shark – UnaHotels Reggio Emilia 1-0 (80-75)
Semifinals (best of five)
Winners 1-2
Winners 3-4
Finals (best of five)
Winners of Semifinals
Photo Credit: EuroleagueBasketball.net