Bologna –
At the end of the game against AS Monaco, valid for round 26 of Turkish Airlines Euroleague, these were the words of coach Luca Banchi: “It was a tough game, a heavy defeat against a very strong opponent that showed especially in the first 20 minutes all its personality, potential and physicality. We had a better intensity level in the second half, not enough to win this important game. This regret must make our team more united, aware and ready for this difficult final part of the regular season.”
On Virtus’ Euroleague run: “In the first 20 minutes, Monaco showed its full potential, with some too many difficulties in finding the rhythm of our game, the adequate level of defensive intensity and ball circulation, something that significantly improved in the second half. We have been competing at this level for months and feel that we belong there, but these are the nights when we all legitimately have the desire to get the best. The end of the game did not reward us, as said there remains regret but the knowledge that these moments must contribute to make us even more solid, united and ready for the next appointment.”
On Daniel Hackett, who reached 300 appearances in the Euroleague: “It is an important milestone, as I have already had the opportunity to say I am very happy for him and proud for his family and for those who have followed this path of his over the years, the many people who have crossed his path and who in some way have contributed to reaching this important goal. I think it is a source of pride for him but for the entire Virtus people to think that this milestone has been achieved in a Virtus jersey in such a special season. I think he first would have liked to have it coincide with a victory tonight.”
