MANILA (Philippines) – Italy bounced back from their disappointing loss to Dominican Republic and knocked off Philippines 90-83 to reach the Second Round of the FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023. Six Italians scored in double figures and while Simone Fontecchio led the way with 18 points, Marco Spissu did a great job directing the Italians and also hitting some big shots to win the TCL Player of the Game award. The guard poured in 13 points including 4 three-pointers and also picked up 9 assists, 4 rebounds and 2 steals.
The Italians have secured a top-16 spot for the 10th time in 10 World Cup appearances after taking second place in Group A with a 2-1 record and Philippines finished last in the group with a 0-3 mark and became the first host team since Colombia in 1982 to lose their first three games in the tournament.
Italy’s win in front of 11,821 fans at the Manila Araneta Coliseum improved their all-time record against the Asians to 5-1, having won the last five games following a 32-14 loss in the 1936 Olympics. Italy also beat Philippines 108-62 in the First Round at the 2019 World Cup.
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