Virtus Bologna secured a dramatic 96-94 victory over EuroLeague defending champions Olympiacos at the Paladozza, with Mattia Carr hitting a game-winning three-pointer at the final buzzer.
Carr Delivers at the Buzzer After Late Lead Changes
The decisive sequence unfolded in the final seconds of a tight fourth quarter. Olympiacos guard Jean Montero drove to the basket to put the visitors ahead with just six seconds remaining on the clock. Rather than calling timeout, Virtus pushed the ball up the floor, allowing Carr to find separation beyond the arc and launch the winning shot as time expired. The buzzer-beater sparked chaotic celebrations on the court and in the stands at the Paladozza.
Carr finished the night as the game’s most valuable player, registering 22 points and 10 assists while orchestrating the team’s up-tempo offense. The Canadian controlled the tempo through central pick-and-rolls with teammate Mouhamet Diarra, exploiting gaps in the Olympiacos interior defense.
Inside Paint Dominance Countered by Perimeter Firepower
The contest featured two contrasting styles clashing across four intense quarters. Virtus attacked the basket relentlessly, shooting an efficient 14-of-16 on two-point attempts in the opening half. Diarra chipped in 18 points and 14 rebounds, while power forward Rayjon Alston added 17 points, helping Bologna establish a 70-63 lead by the 27th minute of the match.
Olympiacos relied heavily on perimeter marksmanship and veteran poise under coach Georgios Bartzokas. The Greek side connected on 8-of-15 shots from three-point range in the first half alone, with Tyler Dorsey converting 5-of-5 attempts from beyond the arc on his way to 22 points. Forward Aleksandar Vezenkov also proved a constant threat, adding 20 points for the visitors.
Ndiaye Sparks Olympiacos Comeback Before Late Collapse
Trailing by seven points late in the third quarter, Olympiacos mounted a fierce response driven by center Khalifa Ndiaye. The Senegalese big man became nearly unstoppable in the paint, finishing the game with 23 points and 7 rebounds while shooting 10-of-11 from two-point range.
Ndiaye spearheaded a dominant 10-0 scoring run to start the final period, pushing the Greek champions ahead 80-75 by the 32nd minute. However, Virtus regrouped through Diarra’s relentless work on the glass, setting up the frantic final minute and Carr’s game-deciding heroics.
Frequently Asked Questions About Virtus Bologna’s EuroLeague Win
What was the final score of the EuroLeague match between Virtus Bologna and Olympiacos?
Virtus Bologna defeated Olympiacos 96-94 at the Paladozza, securing their first win of the EuroLeague season.
Who scored the game-winning shot for Virtus Bologna?
Mattia Carr hit a three-pointer at the final buzzer to break a 94-94 tie and seal the victory with six seconds left after Jean Montero had briefly put Olympiacos ahead.
Who led the scoring for each team in the match?
Khalifa Ndiaye led Olympiacos with 23 points and 7 rebounds, while Tyler Dorsey added 22 points. Mattia Carr paced Virtus Bologna with 22 points and 10 assists, supported by Diarra’s 18 points and 14 rebounds.
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