Shengelia and Belinelli carry Bologna to Eurocup Final against Valencia

Virtus Bologna dominated the entire match but scared themselves by allowing a Valencia until the final buzzer (83-73).

The game could have been done as soon as the end of first half where Bologna gained a 12 point lead. But a poor third quarter (12-19) gave back Valencia a glimmer of hope.

Virtus Bologna could rely on veteran and 2010 Eurocup winner, Tornike Shengelia to show them the way with his 15 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists. NBA Champion Marco Belinelli was also crucial with his 14 points and 3 steals.

Valencia comebacks were fueled by Jasiel Rivero (17 points) and Xabier Lopez-Arostegui finished with 16 points. Amar Alibegovic was sidelined along with long-term injured teammates Awudu Abass and Ekpe Udoh.

“I think it is time to be satisfied about the game. Not euphoric, because this is a semifinal, not a final. But we have to give credit to the team. They did a good job. I think we had kind of a control of the game during the whole 40 minutes. Probably we lost it a little bit in the third quarter. But then I like the reaction we had. We had a couple of very proud and brave plays in those moments. We opened a gap again and we managed to control it until the end.”
Sergio Scariolo, Virtus Segafredo Bologna head coach