After a quarter of a century, Italy conquers the quarterfinals of the World Cup . With a robust team performance, the Azzurri beat Puerto Rico 73-57 and are among the best eight in world basketball . A worthy epilogue for Gigi Datome's 200th race
Italy starts well with a 15-0 break after conceding Romero's first two baskets. The advantage often remains in the double digits thanks to Tonut's tackles, Spissu's triples (the only one to make a three-point basket) and Melli who defends strongly and takes many offensive rebounds: 25-15 at the end of the first quarter and again 34- 25 to 17'.
But the 3/17 from the arc is penalizing and Puerto Rico with Waters and Ortiz in attack and the match up zone in defense recovers almost everything: 39-36 for the Azzurri at the break.
In the third quarter, Italy gets lost in attack, Puerto Rico also scores little but overtakes with a triple from Thompson: 41-43 in the 26th minute. Given me's bomb and Fontecchio's offensive awakening allowed the Azzurri to regain momentum, thanks also to the quintet with Pajola and four wings.
In the last fraction, the blue defense closes well and takes away the rhythm of the Caribbean. Datome and Ricci in attack and Pajola in directing transmit safety to Italy which also reaches +11 in the 38th minute. It's done.
