From Cindy Garcia-Bennett, PA Sport, Rome

Virtus Bologna's title hopes in Italy and the EuroCup received a hammer blow on Monday when star center Kris Lang was ruled out for the remainder of the campaign with a knee injury.

Lang, who has averaged 9.6 points and 4.1 rebounds per game in Europe, got hurt in Sunday's 89-65 thrashing at Benetton Treviso.

The former North Carolina Tar Heel, who played for Team USA at the FIBA Americas Championship in 2005, played a key role for Virtus as they reached the 2007 Coppa Italia final and finished runners-up to Benetton.

In Lega A, he has averaged 10.4 points and 5.1 rebounds as the Italian giants won 16 and lost eight games.

A club statement said: "Following a consultation with a doctor, Virtus wishes to announce that Kris Lang will not be available to the squad until after the season."

Virtus coach Zare Markovski saw his side receive their worst beating of the season at Treviso and said after that contest: "I'm not so worried about the defeat, but rather about the players injured. I'm really worried about Kris Lang."

His worst fears have been confirmed.

EuroCup All-Star Christian Drejer is also struggling with injury.

Virtus, who are second in Lega A, are taking on Azovmash in the semi- finals of the EuroCup next month.