Discover all the intriguing statistics from the EuroLeague clash between Virtus Bologna and Zalgiris Kaunas: previous encounters, numbers, and fun facts about the match.
As we approach the third day of the Turkish Airlines EuroLeague, where Segafredo Virtus Bologna will face Zalgiris Kaunas, here are some interesting statistics and curiosities about both teams. From historical matchups to player performances, let’s delve into what the numbers reveal.
Previous Meetings Between Virtus Bologna and Zalgiris Kaunas
The Return of the Clash in 2022: Virtus Bologna and Zalgiris Kaunas faced off in the EuroLeague during the 2022/23 season, marking their first encounter in 15 years (2007/08 season).
Zalgiris Kaunas Remains Victorious: Since returning to the EuroLeague, Virtus Bologna has not secured a win against Zalgiris Kaunas. The Lithuanians have won the last four matchups, including two in Bologna between the 2022/23 and 2023/24 seasons.
Virtus Bologna’s 15-Year Drought: The last victory for the Vu Nere against Zalgiris Kaunas was on October 24, 2007, a full 15 years ago, with a final score of 81-75 at PalaMalaguti.
Total Previous Encounters: There have been 8 total matchups between Virtus Bologna and Zalgiris Kaunas in the new EuroLeague, with the Vu Nere trailing 2-6 against the Lithuanians.
1999 Final: Virtus Bologna and Zalgiris Kaunas also met in the championship final of the FIBA EuroLeague in the 1998/99 season. The Lithuanians won 82-74, which remains their only EuroLeague title.
Player Curiosities
Former Teammates: Zalgiris Kaunas center Bryant Dunston played for Virtus Bologna last season. Achille Polonara spent the second half of the 2022/23 season with Zalgiris, helping the team reach the EuroLeague Playoffs.
Old Teammates: Bryant Dunston and Will Clyburn were teammates at Anadolu Efes Istanbul during the 2022/23 season. Daniel Hackett played under coach Andrea Trinchieri at Brose Bamberg during the 2017/18 EuroLeague season. Sylvain Francisco was a teammate of Isaia Cordinier on the French national team.
Cordinier’s Records Against Zalgiris: Isaia Cordinier recorded a career-high 9 assists in last season’s home EuroLeague game against Zalgiris Kaunas.
Will Clyburn vs. Zalgiris Kaunas: Clyburn achieved career highs in rebounds (13) and defensive rebounds (11) while playing for CSKA Moscow against Zalgiris in November 2018.
Recent Statistics for Virtus Bologna
- Marco Belinelli has made at least 1 three-pointer in 16 consecutive games and in 35 of his last 36 games.
- Tornike Shengelia has had a double-digit Performance Index Rating (PIR) in eight of his last nine games.
- Will Clyburn has recorded at least 1 steal in 10 of his last 11 games.
Upcoming Records
- Ante Zizic ranks 15th all-time in two-point shooting percentage at 64.7%.
- Achille Polonara needs 1 rebound to reach 600 in his career.
- Tornike Shengelia is 17th all-time with 3,090 points. Scottie Wilbekin of Fenerbahce Beko Istanbul is 16th with 3,179 points.
- Shengelia needs 1 block to reach 100 for his career.
- Will Clyburn ranks 20th all-time in scoring with 3,025 points. Felipe Reyes is 19th with 3,029 points.
- Daniel Hackett is 15th all-time in assists with 911. Facundo Campazzo of Real Madrid is 14th with 912 assists, and Theo Papaloukas is 13th with 977 assists.
- Alessandro Pajola is the all-time leader with a 2.9-to-1 career assist-to-turnover ratio.