Former APR star Aliou Diarra was named Man of the Match after leading his side, Virtus Olidata Bologna, to a 95-81 victory over Trieste. The Malian center, who has been playing in Italy since last year, continues to adapt impressively to top flight basketball, showcasing his strengths in rebounding, rim protection, and creating second-chance opportunities. In the game, Diarra delivered a standout performance, finishing with 15 points in just 21 minutes. He shot an efficient 7-for-10 from the field, while also contributing 12 rebounds and three blocks to register an impressive 27 efficiency rating. Diarra’s display highlighted his impact on both ends of the court, with his consistency and defensive presence proving decisive. The 24-year-old was a key figure during his time at APR, starring in both the domestic league and the Basketball Africa League (BAL). During the 2025 BAL season, he emerged as one of the team’s standout performers, excelling on both offense and defense before an injury cut his campaign short.
