Virtus is relentless: Derthona defeated 92-77 in Bologna
Virtus Olidata Bologna – Bertram Derthona Tortona 92-77
(20-20, 48-35, 80-57)
Virtus: Edwards 13, Pajola 3, Niang 14, Smailagic 7, Taylor, Alston 11, Canka, Hackett 4, Morgan 19, Jallow 4, Diouf 15, Akele 2. All. Ivanovic.
Tortona: Vital 14, Hubb 9, Gorham 7, Pecchia 9, Chapman 9, Bellinaso NE, Tandia, Strautins 9, Baldasso 5, Olejniczak 12, Biligha, Riismaa 3. All. Fioretti.
Referees: Grigioni of Rome, Gonella of Genoa, Borgo of Vicenza.
After their first home defeat against Umana Reyer Venezia and the international break, Bertram Derthona Tortona failed to deliver the hoped-for response, falling 92-77 on the field against reigning Italian champions Virtus Olidata Bologna.
Seeking immediate redemption after two consecutive defeats, Mario Fioretti's team will return to play in front of their fans at the Nova Arena: the match is on Sunday, November 14th, against Banco di Sardegna Sassari at 16:30 PM.
Virtus Bologna first runs away and then controls
Bertram Derthona Tortona got off to a solid start on the home court of the Italian champions, with an initial 7-0 run that put the Lions ahead 11-7 midway through the first quarter. Despite Vital's third foul (14 points, 4 steals, and 3 assists) with 3:35 left, Derthona didn't give up, with Virtus only tying the game with a three-pointer at the buzzer by Carsen Edwards, who hit the backboard and then the net.
Bertram's shooting percentages remained steady in the second quarter, with Pecchia (9 points and 7 rebounds) and Chapman (9 points, 3/4 from the arc) helping Mario Fioretti's team maintain a 28-24 lead. From then on, Virtus stepped up to the plate: the home team went on an 8-0 run with Edwards taking center stage and attempting a decisive first run. At halftime, Virtus led 48-35.
Bertram's struggles continued in the second half despite Vital's return to the court. A backdoor dive by Derrick Alston Jr. gave the home team a 14-point lead (58-44) with 6:18 left in the third quarter. Bertram was unable to respond, while Virtus increased their lead to 66-49 after a 2-and-1 by Matt Morgan. With ten minutes left, Derthona was trailing by 80-57.
Dusko Ivanovic's men didn't slow down in the fourth and final quarter, while Derthona's belated surge of pride wasn't enough to get back into the game. Bertram capped off a disappointing night by shooting 11-of-31 from beyond the arc and returned to Cittadella to prepare for their next home game against Sassari, who will be visiting the Nova Arena on matchday eleven of the championship.
PHOTO CREDIT: Ciamillo-Castoria
