Virtus Bologna captain Fabio Di Bella believes his team claimed a very important victory on Sunday after clinching third place in the EuroCup Final Four with a 80-62 triumph over Estudiantes.

The Italians lost a heartbreaker to Azovmash in the semi-final on Friday but hit back in style and will now attempt to secure their place in the Lega A play-offs.

The success against their Spanish opponents should help them build some momentum.

"We came out against Estudiantes with the right attitude," said Di Bella.

"We lacked that intensity in our game against Azovmash.

"We leave this tournament with a good feeling.

"To finish third in a competition like the EuroCup is good.

"For Virtus it was important to return to play in Europe."

As for Estudiantes, they are now facing one of the most difficult moments of their season.

Without inspirational leaders Hernan Jasen they crashed to a second straight defeat.

"We are really disappointed with the image we have given in this tournament," said Estudiantes small foward Carlos Suarez.

"We are especially sorry for our fans, who travelled all the way to Girona and have been fantastic.

"We have struggled in the Final Four, we lacked intensity in both games and we must now re-group.

"The injury to Jasen is a big blow for us because he is the engine of this team.

"Now we must all try to give much more in the hope of finishing the season in the best possible way."