Virtus defend Italian Super Cup title behind Jordan Mickey's late heroics / News - Basketnews.com

Virtus won their third Italian Super Cup by overcoming Dinamo Sassari, 72-69. Jordan Mickey made a crucial two-pointer with 24 seconds to play.

Credit: Virtus Segafredo Bologna Credit Virtus Segafredo Bologna

Following the success in FIBA EuroBasket 2022, Sergio Scariolo won a second title in September.

This time, the Italian mastermind guided Virtus Segafredo Bologna to the second straight Italian Basketball Super Cup by defeating Dinamo Sassari, 72-69 (23-19, 20-30, 14-10, 15-10).

The club placed itself in fourth place with 3 trophies in total. Then-named Montepaschi Siena are leading the winners' table with 6 Super Cups. Treviso and Milano Olimpia have 4 titles apiece.

It was a close battle throughout the entire 40 minutes. Virtus organized a 6-0 spurt with Marco Belinelli and Jordan Mickey's triples to retake the lead (67-65) with 4:30 to go in the match but their success was temporary.

Dinamo responded with a 4-0 run after Eimantas Bendzius connected from downtown (69-67). Nevertheless, Allesandro Pajola tied the game at 69, while 54 seconds were left on the clock.

Virtus got a stop, Jordan Mickey nailed a crucial two-pointer, and Virtus were leading by two (71-69) with 24 seconds to play. Chris Dowe missed a duo, Mickey grabbed a defensive rebound, while Isaia Cordnier poured in one free throw out of two (72-69).

Chris Dowe shot the ball from long range but his attempt was off the mark and Virtus defended the title.

Jordan Mickey was the top performer for Virtus, finishing the final with 13 points (4/5 2PT, 1/2 3PT, 2/2 FT), 6 rebounds, and 17 EFF.

Virtus: Jordan Mickey 13 (6 REB), Isaia Cordinier 12, Marco Belinelli 12, Ismael Bako 10 (7 REB).

Dinamo: Chinanu Onuaku 18 (9 REB, 31 EFF), Eimantas Bendzius 15 (7 REB).

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