By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net
After trailing for most of the first half, Virtus Segafredo Bologna dominated the third quarter and held on down the stretch for the 100-95 victory versus Happy Casa Brindisi in PalaPentassuglia Friday.
Sergio Scariolo’s side sweeping the best-of-five series became the first team to advance to the Semifinals of Italy’s LBA Serie A UnipolSai Playoffs.
Former NBA champion, Marco Belinelli put in 18 points behind 5/12 from beyond the arc. Tornike Shengelia chipped in 17 points and Jordan Mickey tallied 15 points in Game 3. Ismael Bako, Gabriel Iffe Lundberg, Leo Menalo, and Kyle Weems did not dress.
Former Clemson star Marcquise Reed bowed out with a season-high 33 points as the team coached by Fabio Corbani wrapped up the 2022-23 campaign. The hosts were in control with a narrow lead through most of the first half but fell into a double-digit deficit in the third period. The late comeback bid was halted with Ky Bowman missing a potential opportunity to force overtime from the free-throw line.
Earlier, Dolomiti Energia Trento avoided a sweep with a 79-76 victory against Bertram Yachts Derthona Tortona in BLM Group Arena. Diego Flaccadori stood out with a game-high 19 points. Game 4, at the same venue, follows Sunday.
The remaining pairings are stretching to Game 4 tomorrow, Saturday. Top-seeded EA7 Emporio Milan will visit Carpegna Prosciutto Pesaro with a 2-1 lead. Also up 2-1, Dinamo Banco di Sardegna Sassari will play host to Umana Reyer Venice in PalaSerradimigni.
Photo Credit: EuroleagueBasketball.net