Euroleague, Virtus fights but falls in Istanbul against Efes of former Banchi

Istanbul (Türkiye), March 7, 2025 - The Virtus holds its own against Efes for almost 25 minutes, but then gives in to the motivation and strength of the Turkish formation. In the 28th day of Euroleague, Virtus Segafredo of Dusko Ivanovic takes to the field at the Basketball Development Center in Istanbul, in a match against the team led by the former Juventus player Luca Banchi.

Virtus with nothing left to ask for in comparison, Efes who instead must take advantage of the home round to relaunch their playoff ambitions. Tucker is missing due to injury, Belinelli was left to rest for rotation but Virtus is there. The game comes out balanced for three quarters. The black and whites hold the field very well and they fight with Ephes.

First quarter in which the Turks take the initiative, but Virtus is always ready to blunt everyone the hosts' attempts to extend their lead. The result is an interesting and very balanced first half, where Shengelia is, as usual, a decisive factor for the Bianconeri.

The Virtus try to escape at the start of the second half with Morgan first and with a sensational Pajola (3 out of 3 from long distance for him at half time) then protagonists. Then he holds up very well in the rest of the half reaching the maximum advantage on +9, and closes ahead 39-42, on Efes' comeback attempt at half-time.

Virtus holds the lead in the match up to 25' when Bachi's men, thanks to a decisive Poirier under the basket, overturn the score on 49-48 at 23'. Efes extends, reaches a double-digit advantage at 61-50, confirming Virtus' negative moment in attack. In the last quarter Efes extends and wins in front of a Virtus that raises the white flag, but does so with honor.

The little table

EFES ISTANBUL 89

VIRTUS BOLOGNA 68

ANADOLU EFES ISTANBUL: Larkin 12, Thompson 8, Bryant 21, Osmani 3, Poirier 18; Beaubois, Nwora 2, Smits 11, Dozier Jr 6, Oturu 8, Yilmaz, Willis ne. Enclosures Benches.

VIRTUS SEGAFREDO BOLOGNA: Hackett 4, Cordinier 8, Holiday 4, Shengelia 17, Zizic 5; Pajola 9, Morgan 11, Diouf 4, Grazulis, Polonara 2, Akele 4, Visconti ne. Coach Ivanovic.

Referees: Javor, Aliaga, Thepenier.

Notes: Partials 24-24, 39-42, 61-52. Two-pointers: Efes 19/37; Virtus 19/34. Three-pointers: 13/27; 6/23. Free throws: 12/15; 12/16. Rebounds: 40; 28.