ITA - Bologna teach Estudiantes a lesson

GIRONA (EuroCup Final Four) - Virtus Bologna pulled away from Estudiantes in the second half to claim an 80-62 triumph on Sunday in the third-place game at the EuroCup Final Four.

Edged 74-73 in their semi-final by Azovmash, Zare Markovski's team returned to the court determined to leave Spain on a winning note.

They took a 27-20 lead by the end of the first quarter, Christian Drejer scoring all nine of his points to lead Virtus.

Estu, hammered by Akasvayu Girona in the other semi, trailed 34-29 midway through the second quarter but would get no closer.

Virtus went to changing rooms with a 47-37 lead and in the third quarter, pressed home their advantage, helped by Estu who committed nine of their 24 turnovers.

Mariano De Pablos' team scored just eight points in the period as Virtus built a commanding 63-45 lead.

The Italians cruised the rest of the way.

Will McDonald had a game-high 15 points in defeat for Estudiantes, while Italy international point guard Fabio Di Bella poured in 12 points off the bench to pace Virtus, who were 26 of 44 (59%) inside the arc and five of 18 (28%) from long range.

Estu were a woeful 19 of 51 (37%) from two-point range and three of 17 on their shots from behind the arc.

Italy coach Carlo Recalcati will have been encouraged by the performance of Di Bella, who missed three months of this season after undergoing back surgery.

Di Bella was satisfied with his team's performance against Estudiantes.

"We had the right attitude to this game which we lacked against Azovmash," he said.

"For Virtus it has been great to play in this tournament and to return to play in Europe and we can only be happy to have been able to play in the Final Four."

Recalcati may also have another big man to consider in Andrea Crosariol, who impressed with six points and six rebounds.

Jeff Taylor
FIBA