Pajola and Jaiteh guide Virtus Bologna to the Italian Super Cup trophy over Olimpia Milan / News - Basketnews.com

Credit: Virtus Bologna Credit Virtus Bologna

Virtus Segafredo Bologna won the first trophy of their season thanks to a 90-84 (23-20, 21-15, 23-20, 23-29) victory against AX Armani Exchange Milan. The team coached by Sergio Scariolo took the trophy home behind the performances of Alessandro Pajola, 14 points, 7 assists, and 3 rebounds, and Mouhammadou Jaiteh, 18 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 blocks. Milan lacked energy and offensive rhythm in several moments of the game, while Virtus Bologna looked way more intense and prepared for this game.

Mam Jaiteh

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Virtus Bologna started the game strong, using Mohammadou Jaiteh's size close to the basket. Alessandro Pajola shared the ball effectively, finishing the first half with 6 assists. Virtus looked completely in control in the first 20 minutes and defensively were able to limit Milan's offense.

For Milan, both Datome and Ricci, two of the main Italian players, weren't able to give much of a contribution offensively, while for Virtus, Abass and Alibegovic provided points and energy on the defensive end, finishing the first half with 6 points apiece. At the end of the first half, the team coached by Sergio Scariolo was up by 9 points, 44-35.

In the third quarter, Virtus' defensive energy remained intact and the Scariolo's guys forced Milan to a lot of contested shots. Pajola kept shining on both ends of the court, while Alibegovic gave a huge boost offensively with his three-point shooting. Sergio Rodriguez, instead, was basically the only positive news for Milan, trying to keep the team alive with his shots from outside, showing a lot of effort and energy. At the end of the third, Virtus was up by 12 points, 67-55.

During the final quarter, the two defenses were less effective and the game became even more entertaining. Sergio Rodriguez and Shavon Shields kept bombarding from downtown, trying to keep Milan's hopes alive, but on the other end, Pajola and Jaiteh remained an unsolvable problem for Milan's defense. Down the stretch, Virtus was able to maintain the lead and taking the trophy home.

For Olimpia Milan, the top scorer was Shavon Shields with 19 points and 5 boards, while Sergio Rodriguez had 17 points and 5 assists.

Milos Teodosic finished with 9 points, 6 assists, and 3 rebounds. At the end of the game, Alessandro Pajola was named MVP of the competition.

AX Armani Exchange: Shavon Shields 19 (5/10 3PT, 5 REB), Sergio Rodriguez 17 (3/6 3PT, 5 AST), Devon Hall 13 (2/4 3PT, 6 REB), Nicolo Melli 10 (10 REB).

Virtus: Mouhammadou Jaiteh 18 (9/12 2PT, 9 REB), Alessandro Pajola 14 (7 AST), Amar Alibegovic 13 (5/6 2PT), Kyle Weems 10, Milos Teodosic 9 (3 REB, 6 AST).

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