By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
After dropping Game 2 at home, Virtus Bologna responded in emphatic fashion by stealing Game 3 on the road in Milan.
The Bianconeri defeated Olimpia Milano 78–68 to take a 2–1 lead in the semifinal series and move within one win of the Italian League Finals, where Brescia awaits after sweeping Trapani 3–0.
Head coach Duško Ivanović had to make do without star forward Will Clyburn, but Isaïa Cordinier and Tornike Shengelia stepped up in his absence, scoring 19 points apiece to fuel Virtus’ crucial victory at the Unipol Forum.
Newcomer Brandon Taylor added 12 points, while Mouhamed Diouf chipped in with 8. With just 10 players in the rotation, Virtus executed Ivanović’s plan to perfection and outmaneuvered Ettore Messina’s side on their home court.
On the other end, Nikola Mirotić led Olimpia with 21 points, but had little support outside of Shavon Shields, who contributed 14.
The fourth—and potentially decisive—game of the series is set for Saturday, June 7, at 8:45 PM CET, once again in Milan. Virtus will have the chance to close out the series and secure a spot in the Finals.