By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
Virtus Bologna will remain at the top of the LegaBasket standings for another round. The EuroLeague team defeated Tortona 69–74 to reach 20 wins in the Italian competition.
Despite Christian Vital’s 20 points, the home side eventually fell short and couldn’t complete the comeback.
Derrick Alston, with 16 points, was the top scorer for the visitors.
Starting the game with a 7–14 lead after the first ten minutes was the best possible opening for Virtus, who extended their advantage to 10 points (29–39) in the second half of a game marked by poor shooting.
Although the lead grew to 12 points (49–61) in the final quarter, the away win was far from easy. An 8–0 run brought the score to 67–68, tightening the closing moments, but Virtus held firm against the home team’s push.
Armani Milano had a much easier time, winning 125–97 in a highly offensive game.
Leandro Bolmaro returned to action in style, scoring 24 points in just 17 minutes to become the game’s top scorer.
Despite a closely contested first quarter (29–27), the game was clearly dominated by the home side, who went into halftime leading 63–43.
As the minutes passed, the trend didn’t change, and the blowout reached its peak at 113–70, at which point the game was effectively decided.
STANDINGS: Virtus Bologna 20-5, Brescia 19-5, Armani Milano 18-7, Reyer Venezia 17-7…