Now 14Sports21:09

Hapoel Tel Aviv Mounts Huge Comeback to Defeat Virtus Bologna in EuroLeague

By בר חסידים

Translated & summarized from Now 14 by baba

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Hapoel Tel Aviv achieved a significant 90-81 EuroLeague victory over Virtus Bologna in Sofia on Wednesday, overcoming a 12-point halftime deficit. Key players Vasilije Micić and Zach LeDay led the comeback in the second half, with strong defense limiting Bologna. The win is crucial for Hapoel's standings and head-to-head advantage, with upcoming games against Anadolu Efes and Dubai.

The story in 5 lines · by baba

Hapoel Tel Aviv defeated Virtus Bologna 90-81 in a EuroLeague game after trailing by 12 points at halftime.
A dominant 28-12 third quarter performance by Hapoel Tel Aviv turned the game around.
Vasilije Micić and Zach LeDay were instrumental in Hapoel's offensive comeback.
The victory is vital for Hapoel's standing in the EuroLeague, impacting the race for a top-six position.
Hapoel Tel Aviv's next EuroLeague games are against Anadolu Efes and Dubai.

Hapoel Tel Aviv staged a remarkable comeback on Wednesday, overcoming a double-digit deficit to secure a crucial 90-81 victory over Virtus Bologna in a EuroLeague basketball game played in Sofia. The Israeli team, coached by Dimitris Itoudis, appeared lost in the first half, trailing 48-36 at halftime. However, a dominant third quarter, outscoring Bologna 28-12, completely shifted the momentum.

Key offensive contributions from Vasilije Micić and Zach LeDay, coupled with a tightened defense that stifled the Italian team, propelled Hapoel Tel Aviv to one of their most impressive wins of the season. In the first quarter, the game was close, ending 25-23 for Bologna, with German showing good form for the hosts and Derek Alston Jr. leading the visitors. But Hapoel faltered in the second quarter, committing significant defensive errors that allowed Bologna, with Alston and Tommaso Baldasso exploiting the defense, to build a deserved 12-point lead at the break.

Upon returning from halftime, Hapoel transformed into a different team. They exploded offensively, scoring 12 points in just over four minutes to rapidly close the gap. The defense held Bologna to only 12 points in the entire third quarter, turning the score to 64-62 entering the final period. Hapoel maintained their composure to seal the 90-81 win.

This victory carries significant weight for Hapoel Tel Aviv's EuroLeague campaign. Entering the game, both Bologna and Hapoel were closely positioned in the standings, making this a direct battle for a top-six spot. The win not only gives Hapoel an advantage in the standings but also in the head-to-head record against Bologna. The team is already looking ahead to their next EuroLeague matchups against Anadolu Efes and Dubai.