Virtus Bologna and Olympiacos Piraeus delivered one of the early season’s most entertaining EuroLeague games, with the Italian side escaping 96-94 at the Virtus Segafredo Arena. The lead changed hands 14 times, and the outcome was decided in the final ten seconds when Tornike Shengelia calmly sank two free throws, sealing a dramatic home win.

Match overview

Virtus led 26-24 after a high-scoring first quarter, but Olympiacos responded with a 26-23 second period to take a one-point halftime edge. The third quarter belonged to Bologna, 22-20, and the fourth was a back-and-forth classic. With the score tied at 94-94 and 8.4 seconds remaining, Shengelia drew a foul on a strong drive and made both free throws. Olympiacos had a final look from three, but Evan Fournier’s attempt rimmed out as the buzzer sounded.

• Final score: Virtus Bologna 96, Olympiacos Piraeus 94
• Quarter scores: 26-24, 23-26, 22-20, 25-24
• Venue: Virtus Segafredo Arena, Bologna
• Competition: EuroLeague 2026-27 regular season

Key moments

The game featured 12 ties and 14 lead changes, but the defining sequence came in the final minute. Olympiacos’s Sasha Vezenkov hit a corner three to tie the game at 94-94, capping a 24-point performance. On the next possession, Shengelia powered into the lane, absorbed contact, and earned the foul. After his two free throws, Olympiacos advanced the ball and got a clean look for Fournier, but the shot was long, and Virtus celebrated a statement victory.

Tactical story

Virtus won this game at the free-throw line and on the offensive glass. Bologna shot 20-of-24 from the charity stripe and grabbed 11 offensive rebounds, repeatedly extending possessions against Olympiacos’s big frontcourt. The Greek side controlled long stretches with its pick-and-roll game, but Virtus’s switching defense forced 12 turnovers and limited easy transition baskets. Both teams shot better than 50% from the field, making this a showcase of elite EuroLeague offense.

Standout players

Tornike Shengelia led Virtus with 22 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists, delivering the biggest plays of the night. Marco Belinelli added 17 points on five three-pointers, and Isaia Cordinier scored 15 points with relentless energy. Daniel Hackett chipped in 12 points and 6 assists. For Olympiacos, Sasha Vezenkov was brilliant with 24 points and 9 rebounds, Evan Fournier scored 18, and Thomas Walkup recorded 12 points and 10 assists. Moustapha Fall added 10 points and 8 rebounds.

EuroLeague standings impact

Virtus starts the season 1-0 with a signature win over a perennial Final Four contender. Olympiacos drops to 0-1 but showed enough offensive firepower to suggest it will remain in the title conversation. In a league decided by fine margins, this two-point result could be remembered when playoff seeding is finalized.