Virtus feat: in Istanbul beats Efes, the Euroleague continues

There is still life for the Virtus of Europe who wins Istanbul and on Friday in Vitoria with Baskonia defeated by Maccabi, they will play-off again, this time to reach the play offs. It ends 64-67 for the beautiful and courageous Black Vu who crown their Euroleague with a feat. All heroes on the Bosphorus and the goal of joy was scored again by Lundberg 11″ from the end, another poisoned arrow like he has already done several times this season. And a stratospheric Pajola standing on the barricades for the entire match and exiting prematurely with blood dripping from his forehead, is the best image of a Virtus that never gives up.

The 12 points of Abass, a lion in defense, the 4/8 of Belinelli, the presence of Shengelia, the wisdom of Dunston, the 12 points, 7 assists and 7 rebounds of Lundberg, the defense that slowly suffocated people like Larkin and Clyburn, Pajola’s triple which with 7’29” to go gave the score 55 all, everything contributed to the victory.

At the start, Cyclone Clyburn scored 17 points with 5 triples which gave Efes wings. An intimidated Vu, doubled at 14-7, and ending up at -11 seemed at their mercy. But it had the heart to keep alive: it was Lundberg who came on from the bench to wake up a 0 – 11 score for Bologna which effectively reopened a match that seemed to be headed towards a massacre. And after 11′ of play it was 23 all and Vu was black in the middle of the game: the umbrella was opened with the blocks of a lively Zizic who started good transitions and the former Polonara player looked for and found points. And Abass with great energy 4’30’ before the break gave Bologna the lead, 27-28 with a triple.

Efes in difficulty due to an unexpected point-to-point match which ended at 36-35, a first half with many errors here and there, but as vibrant as it should be for an inside or outside match. And a Vu that got a lot from those who came off the bench. Back on the pitch after the break, Larkin entered the game to give substance to Istanbul, Vu still with Abass held on to the score in a quarter with crooked sights on both fronts. Lundberg again from half a meter and Vu went down by 2 in the last 10 minutes, 50-48. Shengelia and Beli entered for the long sprint, Pajola with the triple of 55 equal to 7’29”, forced Efes to time out. Vu overtakes with Belinelli at 6′, 57-58, then Abass from the line for unsportsmanlike on Shengelia who hits his back. Pajola out bleeding, Vu extended the lead, 57-62 with 5′ to play, and entering the last 2′ it was 58-64. Real battle on every ball, Larkin tried to win it alone but at 11″ it was Lundberg who made the triple for the knockout, Brynt made a three for the 64-67, then Shengelia from the line with 1″ and 7 tenths made a mistake on purpose and finished there.