The odds were all for Virtus, but in Bologna the game ended very quickly: after 15 minutes. The home team took a double-digit lead and controlled the game without difficulty to win 90-71.
The technical difference was clearly visible, exacerbated by a disastrous night from the free throw line: 10-of-24, while Virtus went 21-of-22. Buie had 14 points and 7 assists. Thomas was terrible: 2 points on 1-of-8 field goal shooting and 0-of-4 from the free throw line.
The news
Bologna gets off to a better start, with McGlynn leading 0-3 after the first basket and Thomas 0-2: 17-10 for Virtus at the 7th minute. Marshall makes two threes past defender Marshall, preventing Virtus' escape. The comeback is completed with Buie Vincini: 23-23.
In the second quarter, they overtake with Midnight correcting their mistake from deep: 26-28 at the 13th minute. The problem is that Sassari is a disaster from the free throw line, especially with Thomas (0-for-4), and Virtus regains the lead. Thomas is called for a ridiculous third foul, and Bulleri, in desperation, draws Seck. The white-and-blue offense struggles against Bologna's defense, Virtus takes flight thanks in part to a 14-for-14 free throw line, while Banco is a dismal 3-for-10.
Upon returning, Virtus continued to play confident and loose on offense, tough and sticky on defense. Bulleri's team struggled to regain their composure: 60-42 at the 25th minute, 71-51 at the 19th. The game was over early.