Bologna, Italy – The hallowed grounds of PalaDozza, a venue steeped in basketball history, once again witnessed a spectacle as Virtus Bologna orchestrated a masterful 77-73 victory over EuroLeague titans AS Monaco. This wasn`t just a win; it was a resounding statement, a defiant roar echoing through the arena, signalling a potent return to form after a challenging two-game road skid against Paris and Valencia. For a team needing to steady its ship, welcoming one of the continent`s most star-studded squads to their fortress was either a gamble or a brilliant opportunity. As it turned out, it was the latter, executed with precision and grit.
Monaco arrived in Bologna not merely as an opponent, but as reigning vice-champions, boasting a formidable roster featuring the electrifying Mike James, the prolific Nikola Mirotic, and the imposing Daniel Theis. Such a lineup could easily intimidate, but Ivanovic`s Virtus squad, affectionately dubbed “ragazzacci” (young lads, or perhaps, feisty youngsters) by local media, met the challenge head-on with an intensity that bordered on audacious.
A High-Octane Opening Act
The game commenced with a fervent pace, a veritable whirlwind of offense. Both teams traded blows, with the scoring remaining neck-and-neck through the opening quarter, culminating in a 19-19 stalemate. Virtus, fuelled by a passionate home crowd, struggled initially to fully capitalize on Monaco`s offensive lapses, indicative of the high-stakes environment. However, the energy was palpable, and the battle lines were clearly drawn. As the first half progressed, individual brilliance shone through. Though Monaco managed to negate some of Virtus`s burgeoning leads with their sharpshooting and inside presence, Bologna maintained a slender advantage, heading into the locker room at 37-34, punctuated by a crucial triple from Pajola just before the buzzer.
The Decisive Surge: Third Quarter Dominance
The turning point, as often happens in high-stakes basketball, arrived with the third quarter. It was here that Virtus truly asserted its dominance, transforming a tenuous lead into a decisive surge. Carsen Edwards, who would ultimately claim the game`s MVP honors, ignited the charge with a critical three-pointer out of the halftime break, extending Bologna`s lead to six. But the true testament to Virtus`s collective strength came as the period wore on. Even with Edwards temporarily on the bench, the team pressed on. Clutch threes from Vildoza – a veritable beacon in the critical moments – and veteran Hackett orchestrated a pivotal 9-0 run. This offensive burst, contributing 22 points to Virtus`s tally in the quarter, forged the bedrock of their victory, pushing the score to a comfortable 57-48.
Monaco`s Pushback and Virtus`s Unyielding Defense
Yet, EuroLeague contests rarely end without a dramatic flourish. Monaco, with their arsenal of offensive weapons, mounted a spirited comeback in the fourth quarter. They clawed back 10 points, narrowing the deficit to a precarious three (76-73) with just 46 seconds remaining after Strazel was granted three free throws. The air in PalaDozza grew thick with tension. It was in this crucible that Virtus`s defensive resolve truly shone. A renewed, almost epic, defensive stand in the dying moments stifled Monaco`s final attempts, preventing overtime and sealing a hard-fought victory.
The stat sheet reinforced this defensive masterclass: Monaco`s struggles were evident in their 33% shooting from two-point range and numerous turnovers. Furthermore, Virtus dominated the boards, winning the rebound battle 44-33, with the relentless Niang snatching 5 crucial offensive rebounds – an often-unsung hero`s work that proved invaluable.
Edwards` Brilliance and the Power of the Collective
Carsen Edwards, with his game-high 24 points, was undeniably the spearhead of Virtus`s offense. His explosive scoring provided the spark, but the victory was a symphony of collective effort. From Vildoza`s timely buckets to Hackett`s veteran leadership, and the defensive tenacity of every player on the court, this was a team win in the truest sense.
This triumph is more than just another notch in the win column; it`s a statement of intent. Virtus Bologna has demonstrated that its home court is indeed a fortress, and its collective spirit can overcome even the most formidable of opponents. With momentum firmly on their side, the “Black V`s” now look to continue their revitalized campaign, first with another French challenge in Lyon on Friday, followed by a home game against Cremona on Monday, aiming to maintain their newfound winning streak. The road ahead remains arduous, but for now, Bologna can savour a victory earned through talent, strategy, and an unyielding will to win.
Adrian Whitmore 
Benedict Kingsley