Lega Basket Serie A Playoffs: Trento, Steward and Battle Steal a Crucial Road Win to Level the Series

Virtus Bologna looked set to cruise toward a commanding 2-0 series lead after their dominant 102-71 blowout in Game 1. Instead, Dolomiti Energia Trento had other plans. On May 19, the visitors walked into Bologna’s arena and executed a composed, physical road win, 87-84, completely reshaping this quarterfinal series heading into Game 3.

Steward and Battle: Trento’s American Backbone

The story of this game was written by two Americans. D.J. Steward orchestrated Trento’s offense across 33 minutes, finishing with 18 points and a game-high 7 assists. His ability to control the pace and consistently create for teammates kept Bologna’s defense constantly reactive. Khalif Battle, meanwhile, was the team’s primary scoring weapon, putting up 22 points on 50% shooting in just 26 minutes. Efficient, aggressive, and decisive — Battle was the closer Trento needed.

Battle’s defining moment came in the final seconds. With Bologna desperately needing a 3-point shot to force overtime, Carsen Edwards — their star guard — rose for what could have been a series-altering shot. Battle met him at the rim and rejected it cleanly, sealing the win. That block encapsulated everything Trento brought to this game: physicality, awareness, and composure under pressure.

Supporting the two Americans, Andrej Jakimovski added 13 points on an outstanding 5-of-6 shooting, while Matas Jogela contributed 12 points and 6 rebounds in 25 minutes.

Bologna’s Night to Forget: Edwards Disappears, Free Throws Haunt Them

For Bologna, the evening was defined by absences and missed opportunities. Carsen Edwards, their offensive engine, had a catastrophic shooting night — just 6 points on a dismal 15.3% from the field, connecting on only 2 three-point attempts. Without Edwards generating offense at his usual level, the burden fell on role players. Matt Morgan led the team with 17 points, Luca Vildoza added 14 in 23 minutes, and Saliou Niang provided a solid all-around line with 10 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists. Aliou Diarra also contributed 10 points and 9 rebounds off the bench. Respectable contributions — but not enough to compensate for the void at the top.

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Bologna’s free throw shooting compounded the problem. The home side missed 5 free throws from 19 attempts, a margin that proved decisive in a three-point game. Those misses, combined with Edwards’ offensive disappearance, ultimately cost them the series lead.

Trento’s Efficiency Inside Was the Real Difference

Analytically, the most telling number of the night was Trento’s two-point shooting: 67.6% (25-of-37). Rather than relying on the perimeter, Trento was methodical and physical in the paint, attacking Bologna’s defense where it was most vulnerable. Bologna, by comparison, shot 58.6% on two-pointers — solid, but not enough to offset their struggles elsewhere.

Bologna did win the rebounding battle 35-31, including 14 offensive rebounds, showing resilience throughout. But Trento’s defensive intensity wore on the hosts as the game progressed, and their composure in the clutch proved to be the difference.

The series now shifts to Trento for Game 3, with Bologna having surrendered home-court advantage. The Virtus must also navigate ongoing injury concerns: Derrick Alston Jr. fractured his hand in Game 1 and is out for the remainder of the playoffs, while captain Alessandro Pajola remains sidelined with a knee injury and may miss the entire series. For Trento, the momentum is real — and the belief is growing.