Virtus Bologna’s Historic 1998 EuroLeague Championship Run
The 1997-98 season marked a golden era for Virtus Bologna, culminating in a EuroLeague championship victory. The season was characterized by strategic acquisitions, intense rivalries, and a dramatic playoff run, solidifying Virtus Bologna’s place in European basketball history.
A Season of Strategic Additions
The season began with significant investment, described as a billionaire summer
, bringing in key players like Sasa Danilovic, returning from his NBA experience. Other notable additions included Frenchman Rigaudeau, Slovenian Nesterovic, Italian-Argentinian Sconochini, and Alessandro Frosini. Ettore Messina also returned to the team, with Giordano Consolini as his deputy.
Dominance in Italy and Europe
Virtus Bologna demonstrated dominance throughout both the Italian league and European competitions. The team secured victories in crucial derby matches, including a November contest decided by free throws from Danilovic. They also won the Italian Cup, marking their first trophy of the season.
The Infamous Brawl Against Fortitudo
A particularly memorable, and controversial, contest occurred against Fortitudo Bologna. With 130 seconds remaining and a significant lead, a fight broke out involving numerous players and bench personnel. The incident resulted in the expulsion of ten individuals, including Savic, Abbio, and Morandotti from Virtus, and Fucka and Myers from Fortitudo. The final score was 64-52.
Road to the EuroLeague Final Four
Despite the on-court altercations, Virtus Bologna continued their impressive form, eliminating Fortitudo to secure a place in the EuroLeague Final Four in Barcelona. The semi-final against Partizan was described as without history
, setting the stage for a final showdown against AEK Athens.
Championship Victory Over AEK Athens
The EuroLeague final against AEK Athens saw Virtus Bologna capture control early, leading by 28-20 at halftime and extending their advantage to 33-20. Despite a late rally from AEK, Virtus held on to win 58-44, securing the championship. Savic was named MVP of the final four.
Italian Playoffs and a Dramatic Final Series
Before the EuroLeague Final Four, Virtus Bologna had begun the Italian playoffs. They advanced to the final against Fortitudo Bologna, engaging in a fiercely contested series. The series went to five games, with the decisive game five ending in a 57-59 victory for Virtus.
A Four-Point Shot and Overtime Drama
Game five was particularly dramatic. Trailing, Danilovic hit a crucial shot to tie the game at 72-72. The game went into overtime, where Danilovic scored nine points, contributing to a final score of 72-72. The total score across the ten derbies played that season was an astonishing 691-691.
“You always deliver a chance to the best, those you believe in the most.”
Ettore Messina
Season Summary
Virtus Bologna finished the season with 55 victories in 67 games (82.09%), a record for the club at that time. The team secured both the Italian championship and the EuroLeague title, marking a period of unprecedented success. The season was defined by intense rivalries, particularly with Fortitudo Bologna, and the exceptional performance of Sasa Danilovic.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Who was the coach of Virtus Bologna in 1998?
Ettore Messina was the coach of Virtus Bologna in 1998.
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Who was named MVP of the EuroLeague Final Four?
Predrag Savic was named MVP of the EuroLeague Final Four.
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What was the final score of the EuroLeague championship game?
The final score of the EuroLeague championship game was Virtus Bologna 58 – AEK Athens 44.