ITALY, one of four teams which defeated the Philippines, is now in the quarterfinals of the FIBA World Cup 2023.

Stefano Tonut led three other players in double figures as world No. 10 Italy secured its place in the quarterfinals following a 73-57 victory over Puerto Rico at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Tonut finished with 15 points on 7-of-9 shooting in 22 minutes of play.

Giampaolo Ricci added 15 points and three rebounds, Simone Fontecchio contributed a double double of 12 points and 12 rebounds and Luigi Datome had 11 points for the Gianmarco Pozzecco- mentored Italy.

Ricci and Datome were instrumental in Italy’s 12-3 run at the start of the fourth quarter.

The Italians managed to extend their lead to 13 points, 63-50, with six minutes remaining.

Tremont Waters, who had 37 points in Puerto Rico’s victory over Dominican Republic last Sept 1, was limited to only 13 points on 5-of-14 shooting and nine assists in 34 minutes.

Jordan Howard added 11 points and four rebounds for Puerto Rico.

Italy defeated the Philippines, 90-83, in their Group A battle last Aug. 29.

Already assured of quarterfinal berths are five-time champion United States, Lithuania, Germany and Slovenia.

The scores;
Italy (73) – Tonut 15, Ricci 15, Fontecchio 12, Datome 11, Spissu 8, Melli 8, Severini 3, Procida 2, Pajola 0, Polonara 0 Puerto Rico (57) – Waters 13, Howard 11, Pineiro 9, Romero 9, Ortiz 8, Conditt 4, Thompson Jr 3, Ford 0, Holland 0 Quarterscores: 25-15, 39-36, 51-47, 73-57.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Robert Andaya