Mannion returns, Cordinier debuts, Belinelli drops 20 for comfortable Virtus victory / News - Basketnews.com

Nico Mannion's return to action was the main attraction of the game between Virtus Bologna and Pallacanestro Trieste. The Italian champs saw off their opponents by 94-79 (35-29, 22-15, 16-22, 21-13) at the Paladozza, cruising to their 4th domestic victory in as many games.

Isaia Cordinier

Position:SGAge:24Height:194 cmWeight:84 kgBirth place:Creteil, FranceProfileNewsStatistics

Mannion had salmonella before the OQT in Belgrade that caused also intestinal infection.After Tokyo, he spent five days in the hospital and lost around 20kg in the summer. On Saturday night, he debuted in Serie A for Virtus Bologna and even scored 5 points in less than two minutes (he played 5 mins. overall). The 20-year-old guard entered the game halfway through the first quarter and was welcomed with a warm round of applause by Virtus fans. Two minutes later, he scored two baskets with his new team.

Isaia Coordinier also made his Virtus debut, going for 6 points in 14 minutes of action. However, it was Marco Belinelli who catapulted the Bologna side to victory, scoring 20 points and 11 in the first quarter, when Virtus managed to lay the foundations for their easy win.

Jakarr Sampson followed with 17, while Alibegovic added 16.

Adrian Banks logged 21 points and Sanders scored another 12 for Trieste, who dropped to 2-2.

Virtus Bologna: Belinelli 20 (5/8 3-point shots, 3 assists), Sampson 17 (7/12 two-point shots, 6 rebs.), Alibegovic 16 (6/9 FGs, 6 rebs.), Alexander 9, Tessitori 8, Cordinier 6, Mannion 5.Pallacanestro Trieste: Banks 21 (4/6 2-point, 3/5 3-point shots, 7 rebs.), Sanders 12, Mian 12, Konate 10.

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