Hapoel Halt Virtus Bologna's Winning Streak: LeDay and Micic Lead the Way

Following a seven-game winning streak across all competitions (four in the EuroLeague and three in the Italian league), Virtus Bologna's fine run finally came to an end with a 90-81 away defeat to Hapoel Tel Aviv in Round 7 of the EuroLeague. Dimitris Itoudis' side secured their third consecutive EuroLeague triumph, having previously defeated Panathinaikos and Dusan Alimpijevic's Besiktas.

Virtus entered the clash against the favored Hapoel side without fear, bringing physical intensity from the tip-off and carving out a six-point lead midway through the opening period. Hapoel stood firm against the spirited visitors, as the first quarter ended with Bologna holding a narrow 25-23 advantage.

Virtus kept up their momentum in the second quarter while tightening their defense. Derrick Alston Jr. and Tommaso Baldasso led the charge, while Kessler Edwards drained a vital three-pointer with thirty seconds remaining in the half to stretch the lead to 12. Vasilije Micic responded with two free throws, but Wendell Moore beat the buzzer with a jumper to send Virtus into halftime up 48-36.

Hapoel shifted into top gear in the third quarter, quickly erasing the deficit behind an eight-point burst from Zach LeDay. Triples from Vasilije Micic and Elijah Bryant fueled the turnaround, allowing Hapoel to take a two-point lead heading into the final quarter.

Virtus began to lose their rhythm down the stretch. Hapoel went on a 6-0 run before another Zach LeDay three-pointer extended the lead to nine, effectively shutting the door on any Italian comeback. Hapoel closed out the contest to secure a 90-81 victory.

Zach LeDay paced the winners with 22 points, followed by Vasilije Micic with 16. For Virtus, Alston and Diarra stood out with 12 points each.

Hapoel improved to 5-2 on the season, while Virtus now stand at 4-3.

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