Daniel Hackett also made history by becoming the leading Italian scorer in Turkish Airlines EuroLeague history.
Three-point record carried Virtus to big win at Monaco
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Virtus Segafredo Bologna set a new club record during its 59-83 win at AS Monaco in Round 2 of the 2023-24 Turkish Airlines EuroLeague Regular Season, as it knocked down 16 three-pointers.
The last time Virtus made 15 triples in a game, the leaders of the Italian team had names such as Manu Ginobili, Antoine Rigaudeau, Marko Jaric, Matjaz Smodis and Rashard Griffith. That was the 2000-01 season, and that group of players ended up winning the EuroLeague title.
Fast-forward 23 seasons and the record breakers have names like Jaleen Smith, Marco Belinelli, Iffe Lundberg, Ognjen Dobric, Toko Shengelia and Daniel Hackett, all of whom made at least 2 three-pointers in the blowout win.
“It was a big win. Everybody participated, we played like a team. I am very proud of this team,” said Belinelli, who scored 13 points as one of four players with at least 12 points.
Daniel Hackett set a record of his own
Hackett ended up with 8 points and set a EuroLeague record of his own. By scoring his 2,283rd point, Hackett became the record Italian scorer in EuroLeague history.
“This is the EuroLeague and every single night you face the best teams. You will suffer from every mistake. Tonight, for most of the game we were very solid and we deserved this win,” Virtus head coach Luca Banchi commented.
Virtus was hitting three-pointers all night and the Italian club was doing so in bunches, which helped it quickly build up a lead and demoralize its French hosts.
“Last year they played at the Final Four and they have individual players who can really play one on one and score a lot of points. So, it was a big win,” added Belinelli.
A vast improvement from deep
The win and the 16 three-pointers made came a week after losing at home and doing so while only making 8 triples and shooting 32.0% from deep. At Monaco, Virtus shot a blistering 51.6% from long range, going 16-of-31.
Not every game will be that productive from the outside, but Virtus will be well served knowing it can produce a performance like this.