By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
On a night of big games, Paris ended up being left alone in the second spot of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague standings with a 9-3 record after edging Virtus Segafredo Bologna 81-78.
It was a test for both sides with Virtus again getting the short end of the stick and a 2-10 record despite their effort.
TJ Shorts with 19 points and nine assists once again was the leader of Paris, Maodo Lo added 15 points and Nadir Hifi had 11, missing a very crucial free throw in the end.
“Once again, is another great feeling”, admitted Shorts after the game. “I don’t even know with this team, we just try to roll with what we have right now. Happy Thanksgiving to anyone watching and I am happy we got the win right now”.
From Virtus, Will Clyburn had 25 points and a great game, but he also missed the chance to send the game to overtime.
“We relaxed a bit in the end, but at the end of the day it’s a “W” so I will take it”, admitted coach Tiaggo Splitter.
Almost a shock
Paris was surprised at the start of the game, with Virtus getting an early 24-16 lead. However, by dominating the second period, the hosts were up by six at halftime (44-38) totally turning the tide.
Nothing changed in the third period, which ended with Paris up by eight (69-61) after leading also by 11 (55-44), but Virtus made it momentarily a two-point game (61-59) which was a sign for things to come.
Paris made a push to extend the lead to 14 points (77-63) and the game seemed over. Virtus didn’t give up and made an admirable but uncompleted comeback, trimming the lead to two (80-78) with six seconds left.
Nadir Hifi was fouled and made one of two free throws (81-78) and Will Clyburn lost the last chance to send the game to overtime.
Photo credit: EuroLeague