Virtus also sinks in Istanbul

A Virtus already out of contention holds for a half against reigning champions Efes. Then he collects the knockout in the third quarter and finally succumbs with the final score of 86-67 in Istanbul, however, avoiding another night of slaughter and ghost matches. Virtus deprived of Teodosic, Pajola, Cordinier, Abass and Belinelli in half serve has also shown desire and game in some places but then you also need to score to stay inside the matches. It’s not like that if you shoot 50% from two you get 10/31 from three. Coach Atam’s Efes therefore had the go-ahead by finding two important points for their run towards the playoffs, and had their scorer in Zizic, 24 points in the end, dominating together with the other center Pleiss, 14 points, under baskets.

Virtus got off to a good start, concentrated and in the first quarter remained glued to Efes, 13 all in the fraction, then the Turks started defending vigorously and Vu also wasted open shots and supports from underneath. Too many not to run into an extension of the reigning champions. Even reaching a +12, the Turks closed on 36-27 with the baskets of the big Zizic who dominated under the Bolognese basket. Jordan Mickey’s first half was good, the whole team was less good shooting with a horrible 2/13 from three, on which, however, given the good attitude, one could also complain.

But as soon as they got back, Efes put in the knockout punches to stretch: first Micic then Larkin put in the triples to break down Srgafredo’s resistance. With the Turkish advantage growing minute by minute, Vu only opposed a few flare-ups, such as Mannion’s triples, only to then surrender with Efes who exceeded the 20-point lead. And then there was only time to wait for the final whistle. Virtus back on the pitch for the Euroleague on 6 April with the away match at Valencia’s home.

Efes-Virtus 86-67

Efes: Micic 7, Beaubois 10, Bryant 13, Clyburn 5, Pleiss 14, Larkin 5, Gazi 3, M’Baye 5, Zizic 24.

Virtus: Hackett 2, Lundberg 3, Ojeleye 13, Shengelia 3, Mickey 11, Mannion 17, Belinelli 10, Weems 2, Bako 6, Camara.

Referees: Pukl, Kardum, Clivaz.

Notes: free: E 9/13, V 7/9. From two: E 25/34, V 15/30. From three: E 9/26, V 10/31. Rebounds: W 33, W 31. Assists: W 28, W 15.

Splits: 5′ 8-7, 10′ 13-13, 15′ 26-18, 20′ 36-27, 25′ 46-29, 30′ 60-38, 35′ 72-50. Maximum lead V: +2 (7-5) in the 4th minute. Maximum disadvantage: -26 (50-76) in the 37th minute.

Report Cards: Mickey 5.5, Ojeleye 5.5, Mannion 5.5, Hackett 5, Lundberg 5, Shengelia 5, Belinelli 5, Weems 5, Bako 5.