With a defensive gem in a very physical game, Olimpia won 66-62, holding Virtus Bologna to a 21 for 66 shooting night, overcoming its own ice cold shooting (3-for-23 from three). Olimpia controlled the boards 50-41 and had a terrific third quarter when it built a 13-point lead. Virtus attempted a late rally using all of its firepower especially with Milos Teodosic, reducing the margin to two points. Olimpia kept its poise and responded once more.

Shavon Shields (18 points and six rebounds) was crucial over the two middle periods, Gigi Datome was outstanding when it counted the most. “It was a tough game, but we have been solid enough to lead for the length of the night but it is only one game of a series that can easily become very long,” Coach Ettore Messina said.

Olimpia led basically for the entire game, saved for some sporadic moments. In spite of a 1-for-13 three-point shooting first half, went to the locker room ahead by one. In the third quarter, Shields attacked the paint and scored 10 points, Rodriguez, who was instrumental in feeding Kyle Hines with their pick and roll (seven assists), scored on a couple of opportunities and finally Gigi Datome broke the game open. When Virtus got very close late in the fourth, Datome scored twice including a masterpiece on a baseline move and helped the team overcome the difficulties. Hall with two free throws closed the game off. Game 2 is scheduled to be played on Friday night in Bologna.