No chance. After finishing third in 2023 and winning two consecutive European titles between 2024 and 2025, the University of Bologna has been forced to concede defeat. The women’s basketball team will, at best, finish ninth. Although the University of Bologna did beat Zagreb 66–54 (20–12; 35–30; 54–41), it failed to do so by the margin (at least 15 points) that would have been needed to finish in the top eight, meaning it will have to fight in the coming days for a chance to reach the podium once more. Having been ruled out of the top eight, CUS Bologna can, at best, finish its campaign in ninth place.
Unibo’s coach, Jordan Losi, was clear-headed and honest, as is in his nature. He is the coach who has taken the Alma Mater Studiorum to the very top after just a few years of learning the ropes.
“What can I say? It’s hard to comment on today’s match because we have to take everything into account: the mistakes made in the first game, but also the great pride of a team that came within a whisker of pulling off a remarkable feat. Just one more basket would have been enough. Failing to make the last eight is a result that’s hard for us to swallow, because we knew what our chances could have been. Now, perhaps, we’ll return home with just one defeat to our name – albeit a decisive one. But we can do it. I can’t blame the girls for anything. They deserved better. But that’s sport for you. We have to accept it. We need to focus on performing well for the rest of the week. And believe that the future may hold further successes for us. Because we only got one match wrong. But the grit, determination and pride in representing the University of Bologna are part of who we are.”
The team sheet: Sofia Tartarini, Alice Malintoppi 4, Elena Cavalli, Amina Zarfaoui, Silvia Bernabè, Beatrice Del Pero 23, Alessandra Orsili 11, Martina Rosignoli 4, Agnese Gianangeli 5, Beatrice Baldi 9, Elena Melloni 8, Serena Soglia 2.
Jordan Losi, head coach; Elisabetta Tassinari, assistant coach; Giacomo Bavieri, team manager; Carlo Sartorio, physiotherapist; Matteo Roiaz, referee; Matteo Galli, official.
Press Office - CUS Bologna ASD
