Italy : Virtus Bologna wins the derby and takes pole position

In the first-class Italian derby, Virtus Bologna toppled Armani Milan, 69-75, to lead the league with a 17-4 record ahead of Milan, 16-5.

Marco Belinelli (12 points), Niccolò Mannion (11 points, 3/3 three-pointers) and Toko Shengelia (11 points and 8 rebounds) were the top scorers for the Virtus. With 27 minutes, Mam Jaiteh had the most playing time of his team but for only 3 points and 6 rebounds.

On the Milanese side, Billy Baron finished with 20 points and Shabazz Napier with 16 points and 4 assists.

Neither Devon Hall, Kevin Pangos, Shavon Shields, Timothé Luwawu-Cabarrot, DeShaun Thomas, Gigi Datome, Paul Biligha in Milan, nor Isaia Cordinier, Semi Ojeleye, Alessandro Pajola, Milos Teodosic and Gora Camara in Bologna participated in the game.

“The only thing that stands out from this game is the character we have,” said Marco Belinelli. Despite the absences, it’s a great team win, a well-prepared game but we know it’s nothing, it’s just a win. We have even more important games ahead of us and we want to prepare as well as possible and progress. I always try to enter the court with the desire to win, to show my love of basketball to the youngest. This is an important win for us and for our fans.”