By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
It wasn’t easy, as the final 84-77 may suggest, but Virtus Segrafredo Bologna had things under control for most of the game against Maccabi Playtika Tel Aviv.
And in the end, when Maccabi tried to steal the game, Virtus simply played lockdown defense to get the job done.
Toko Shengelia with 16 points was the top scorer of the winning side, while Ante Zizic added 14 plus got nine rebounds.
“First of all, a big and very important win for us. The team did a great job, especially defensively. We controlled most of the game, shared the ball, and found our shots. It’s crucial to protect the home court. For us, our fans are like the sixth player; they push us, and we really appreciate it,” Zizic said after the game.
Levi Randolph scored 21 points for Maccabi, Rokas Jokubaitis added 10 and no other player scored in double digits.
Closing it the right way
Virtus led in the first half by controlling the boards and shooting more than 50% from the field.
The Italians closed the first period up by eight (25-17) after a 9-0 run, which included three three-pointers by Clyburn, Cordinier, and Polonara. While Maccabi stayed close, they couldn’t get the lead back.
Virtus led even by nine (45-36) after a three by Matt Morgan, while John DiBartolomeo closed the gap to six (45-39) with one more long-range shot at halftime.
Virtus kept their distance, closing the third period up by five (60-55) and ultimately closed the game the right way, even though Maccabi trimmed the lead to three (80-77) entering the last two minutes.
Still, the Israelis didn’t score after that and Virtus got an important win for a 2-6 record, keeping Maccabi to 3-5.
“We did a pretty good job executing our tactics defensively. In the fourth quarter, they hit their shots, and we missed some layups. It was a pretty close game, we lost in the end, it is what it is, and we are looking forward,” said Maccabi’s assistant coach Noam Levy at postgame press conference.
Photo credit: EuroLeague