Virtus Bologna claimed one of its most significant wins of the 2025–26 EuroLeague season on Friday night, edging AS Monaco 84-82 at Salle Gaston Medecin despite arriving heavily shorthanded.
The Italian side was without Carsen Edwards, Alessandro Pajola and Alen Smailagic, yet still found enough depth and execution to overcome last season’s EuroLeague runner-up on the road.
The decisive moment came with 4.4 seconds left, when Luca Vildoza knocked down a contested three-pointer to put Virtus ahead for good after Monaco had taken an 82-81 lead.
Following a timeout, Elie Okobo had a clean look from deep to answer, but his attempt missed, allowing the visitors to escape with a narrow victory.
Vildoza finished with 13 points and delivered the final blow, but the scoring load was well distributed across Dusko Ivanovic’s rotation.
Matt Morgan added 15 points, while veteran guard Daniel Hackett provided stability late with 7 points and 5 rebounds, including key defensive possessions.
The defining stretch belonged to Nicola Akele and Aliou Diarra, whose impact inside flipped the game after halftime.
Akele posted career-best marks with 11 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists, while Diarra followed with 9 points, 6 rebounds and 3 blocks in his return from a six-game injury absence.
The duo combined to shoot 8-for-11 on two-point attempts and grabbed 13 rebounds, punishing Monaco in the paint during Virtus’ comeback.
Monaco controlled the early stages and built a 10-point cushion in the second quarter, later extending the margin to 53-44 early in the third behind Mike James and Elie Okobo.
Virtus responded with improved defensive pressure and interior scoring, tying the game at 62-62 late in the third quarter.
The Bologna club then opened the fourth with a 15-1 run to seize a 77-66 advantage, before the hosts mounted a late rally.
James scored 17 points and hit a difficult three-pointer in the final minute to give Monaco the brief lead, but Virtus secured two crucial offensive rebounds and executed the final play to perfection.
The result lifts Virtus to 12-13 in the standings, keeping the club firmly in the playoff race and within two wins of 10th place after a challenging recent stretch.
Virtus hosts LDLC ASVEL Villeurbanne next Wednesday while Monaco visits Zalgiris Kaunas on Tuesday.
