Virtus domination in Monaco thanks to a super evening in the triples: 16/31

There was a need to react after the home defeat in the debut, and the reaction arrived. Virtus dominates at the Salle Gaston Médecin and beats Monaco, finding their first success of the season in the Euroleague. Great team effort for the boys from Banchi, who under the eyes of Kemba Walker (still unavailable) gave themselves a clear victory both in terms of scoring and in play, shooting very well from behind the arc thanks to excellent ball circulation, bringing four players in double figures and finishing with a resounding 83-59.

Defense and triples

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The start of the match is characterized by fouls and low tempo, and Bologna manages a mini partial with Cordinier, Hackett and Belinelli. The ball starts to spin more and Virtus manages the two phases well: Shengelia spins the attack and Dunston’s physicality dominates in defense rebounds. Mike James tries to keep Monaco in their wake, but the guests end the first quarter at plus eight. Virtus approaches the second quarter better and finds a double-digit advantage: Banchi’s rotations pay off, with a super Lundberg in double figures (he will finish with 14 in 22′) and Smith very hot from three. Monaco fails to react and the visitors’ lead reaches +19. Obradovic’s team therefore increases their aggressiveness in defense, forcing Bologna into seven turnovers, but Smith’s third triple allows Virtus to close the first half at 48-33, with a sensational 9 out of 14 from three (in the end it will be 16 /31).

Management

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The second half begins with Cordinier’s third foul and the naivety of Shengelia who commits a foul in attack: after just over a minute Monaco is already in the bonus, but triples from Shengelia and Belinelli restore the distance. It may seem like the prelude to the comeback, but the solidity of Virtus is there to be seen: Monaco disappears from the field, the ball spins wonderfully and we reach the last quarter with the score 70-48 for Banchi’s team. The last 10′ are purely management for Bologna: the Monegasque reaction doesn’t arrive, Belinelli reaches double figures and there is also glory for the second rows. Obradovic leaves amidst boos after his team’s terrible performance, while Banchi enjoys Virtus’ first Euroleague victory of the season, with the team dedicating the success to Achille Polonara at the end of the match.

Virtus: Lundberg 14, Belinelli 13, Shengelia 12

Monk: James 14, Strazel 9, Cornelie 7