Virtus Bologna ends losing streak with dramatic 85-80 victory over Barcelona in EuroLeague
Virtus victory vs Barcalona Euroleague day 29 feb 2026
Credit Photo: Virtus Bologna
After three consecutive defeats, Virtus Bologna finally returned to winning ways with a crucial 85-80 home victory against Barcelona in EuroLeague Round 29. The Italian side managed to hold off a dramatic late surge from the visitors, securing a much-needed result that keeps their playoff hopes mathematically alive.
Barcelona started the stronger of the two teams, with Kevin Punter getting off to a great start in the opening quarter. The Catalan side established an early 20-28 advantage, but Virtus responded in the form of Alen Smailagic and Luca Vildoza. The home team’s turnaround was complete by halftime, as they took a 47-43 lead into the break.
Defensive dominance turns into late drama
The third quarter belonged entirely to Virtus Bologna’s defense. Dusko Ivanovic’s team limited Barcelona to just 14 points in those crucial 10 minutes, extending their lead to 11 points heading into the final period. The Italian side maintained that same +11 lead by the middle of the fourth quarter, seemingly in control of the contest.
However, Barcelona had other plans. The visitors unleashed an outstanding 12-0 run that completely changed the complexion of the game, taking their first lead since the second quarter with just two minutes remaining on the clock. Nicolas Laprovittola knocked down the go-ahead basket to make it 80-79, putting the home crowd on edge.
Virtus showed their character in the closing moments. Alen Smailagic responded from the free-throw line to regain the lead, before Carsen Edwards took control with consecutive 2-points baskets that gave the home team a crucial three-point cushion entering the final minute. Kevin Punter, who had been Barcelona’s standout performer throughout the night, became the tragic figure when he missed a crucial 3-points attempt that would have tied the game. Edwards then sealed the victory by extending Virtus’s lead to five points with just nine seconds remaining, as Laprovittola’s final 3-points attempt fell short.
Edwards led the scoring for the winning side with 22 points, while Smailagic contributed 19 points in an excellent all-around performance. Luca Vildoza added 10 points, seven assists, and five steals to complete Virtus’s balanced offensive display. For Barcelona, Kevin Punter finished with a game-high 27 points despite his late miss, while Nicolas Laprovittola recorded a double-double with 14 points and 12 assists. Toko Shengelia also contributed 16 points and seven rebounds for the visitors.
Big, big 𝐖 🤍🖤 pic.twitter.com/lCyty3Eclt
— Virtus Bologna (@VirtusBo) February 25, 2026
This result leaves Barcelona tied with Crvena Zvezda and Zalgiris Kaunas between fifth and seventh place with a 17-12 record, while Virtus improved to 13-16 and maintained their mathematical chances for the play-in tournament.
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