Virtus Bologna: win with Red Star to hook up with Olimpia Milano
After beating, clearly and convincingly, Partizan at home, Virtus Bologna is ready to return to the court. Red Star-Virtus Bologna is scheduled for 8:45 p.m. in Belgrade. In case of victory, the Black Vs would hook Olimpia Milano in the standings at 9-8.
Coach Ivanovic is aware of the difficulties that await him at Belgrade Arena: “After the change on the bench, they are playing really well: they already had a good team and now they are playing with a lot of energy, with clear ideas on how to attack. Red Star is a team that can create play from a lot of one-on-one situations, with a lot of players who can hurt you in isolation; they are probably the best team in transition and they also have good solutions in the area. To beat Red Star, we will have to play even better than with Partizan” his words to the portal of the’Euroleague.
He is echoed by Pajola, who will have to, as always, put all his energy on the court: “We are definitely in for another battle, because this is another very hot court, maybe even hotter than Partizan’s. They are a team in top form. I had the opportunity to watch Red Star’s game against Hapoel, a game in which they fought until the end despite being away from home. Certainly, since they changed coaches, they have gained an extra gear in terms of energy and confidence on the court. They also added a very important player in Jared Butler. As always, we will have to focus on ourselves, our game plan and our choices”.
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The Black V’s last victory over Red Star dates back to Oct. 20, 2023 (85-79 the final). Then as many as three wins in a row for the Red and White, including two at home. Last March 26, right at the Belgrade Arena, Virtus Bologna was swept away with a resounding 88-52.
