By Eurohoops team/ [email protected]
On a night of big games, Paris ended up being left alone in the second spot of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague standings with a 9-3 record after edging Virtus Segafredo Bologna 81-78.
It was a test for both sides with Virtus again getting the short end of the stick and a 2-10 record despite their effort.
TJ Shorts with 19 points and nine assists once again was the leader of Paris, Maodo Lo added 15 points and Nadir Hifi had 11, missing a very crucial free throw in the end.
From Virtus, Will Clyburn had 25 points and a great game, but he also missed the chance to send the game to overtime.
Almost a shock
Paris was surprised at the start of the game, with Virtus getting an early 24-16 lead. However, by dominating the second period, the hosts were up by six at halftime (44-38) totally turning the tide.
Nothing changed in the third period, which ended with Paris up by eight (69-61) after leading also by 11 (55-44), but Virtus made it momentarily a two-point game (61-59) which was a sign for things to come.
Paris made a push to extend the lead to 14 points (77-63) and the game seemed over. Virtus didn’t give up and made an admirable but uncompleted comeback, trimming the lead to two (80-78) with six seconds left.
Nadir Hifi was fouled and made one of two free throws (81-78) and Will Clyburn lost the last chance to send the game to overtime.
Photo credit: EuroLeague
