Basketball, Euroleague: Virtus loses to Zalgiris 77-68

Virtus fell against Zalgiris 77-68 under the blows of Francisco (20 points, 5/8 from 3) and Butkevicius, who was on the scoresheet with 11 points, but was fundamental at the start of the game, when the Lithuanians made their breakthrough, which actually directs the race. The gap in 3-point percentages is too wide (15/35 for Trinchieri’s men, just 4/23 for Ivanovic’s boys). 18 points from Cordinier and the good impact of the returning Shengelia (12 points) were not enough. The hosts get back up after four defeats in a row and reach 11 victories in 21 matches. For Bologna it is defeat number 15.

REBUS BUTKEVICIUS

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Difficult start for Virtus at the Zalgirio Arena. Zalgiris exploits the pick and roll with Birutis and, above all, moves the ball well, complicating the defensive rotations of Ivanovic’s team. Butkevicius had an excellent first half, capable of having an impact on both sides of the pitch (6 points, 2 assists and steals in the 20th minute). Trinchieri’s men shoot well from 3 (9/18 at 20′) but in the final stages of the first half the Lithuanians’ percentages from distance drop. The lesser offensive continuity of the Kaunas team allows Bologna to fall back behind. Segafredo, as the minutes passed, adapted better at the back and thanks to a lot of circulation of men and ball they built their fortunes. The return of Shengelia to the field is fundamental for the V-Blacks, guaranteeing greater internal danger for Virtus. In addition to the Georgian there are also the flashes of Cordinier (9 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist and 2 steals). Despite better shot construction, especially in the second period, 3-point baskets continue to be lacking for the guests (2/11 at the long break). The rebound data for the Emilians was positive (18-14 at 20′). The result, however, at halftime still rewards Zalgiris, 44-32.

FRANCISCO AND REGRETS

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Upon returning from the locker room, Virtus is more aggressive, but fails to significantly reduce the gap, only nibbling away at a few points. Trinchieri’s men exploited the talents of the individuals (Francisco above all) and their greater physical size. 20-19 for the Lithuanians in the partial of the quarter. At the start of the last period, Ivanovic’s men posted a mini run of 5-0, with a triple from Morgan and a two-man game from Hackett and Grazulis. However, Segafredo did the best things in the last quarter in defense, closing the area excellently and managing to inhibit Zalgiris’ circulation. The match is decided in the last minute, to which the Lithuanian team comes ahead 72-68. Francisco punishes the Emilians in transition and puts two possessions back between the teams. Pajola, on the other hand, misses the triple for -3, which would have reopened the discussion. Butkevicius writes the final word with a 2/2 from the line.

Zalgiris: Francisco 20, Ulanovas 16, Butkevicius 11

Virtus: Cordinier 18, Shengelia 12, Morgan, Grazulis 8