Game 2 followed the same script, more or less, that Game 1 followed but the role were inverted. This time, Olimpia dominated the early part of the game, playing outstanding defense and doing what was enough to get a consistent lead. After leading by five at the end of the first, got some rhythm offensively and took twice a 13-point margin that looked all but dominant. “And then give them credit for turning the game around when we looked pretty much in control,” Coach Ettore Messina admitted. Bologna rode its defense, had some good plays coming from Achille Polonara and Jordan Mickey but more tha anything else Tornike Shengelia was very sharp, efficient, bot inside and outside. He hit some painful threes. Bologna was capable to turn the game around and take a one-point lead going into the halftime. The second half was a battle. Olimpia had some great moments. For example, early in the fourth after trailing by five, two consecutive steals by Stefano Tonut and Shavon Shields determined a 6-0 run that gave Olimpia the lead back. But in the end, Bologna was more capable to sustain the good times and finished winning 72-64. Now, the series is tied at one game apiece.

“We had to do our things better – Coach Messina said – they switch a lot defensively and so we have a lot of isolation plays and it affects the overall number of assists. But we ened to move the ball better and quickly like we did during the second half in Game 1 when we had a lot of open looks beacuse we moved the ball faster. This way is easier to involve all the players, Mirotic included of course.” Foul troubles had an impact too, especially Shabazz Napier was affected. The rotation in the second half had to be changed to preserve the point guard and that had an impact on the offensive flow and production.

“We came here and won one game – Messina pointed out – Today, some of our players looked a little tired. It’s undesratndable, but now we have two days to prepare for Game 3 and we’ll do it. Now, all our focus is on Game 3,” he said.