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Italy, the heavy favorite to win this matchup prove that they are the number 10 in FIBA MEN WORLD RANKING. Italy end the hope of Gilas Pilipinas “90-83” in their home crowd Araneta Coliseum.
Simone Fontecchio led the Italy with 18 points and 6 rebounds, with the depth lineup of Italy, only 1 starter on the Italian team who did not finish in double figure.
Italy extends their led in the final period “60-78” in the 8 minute frame, but the home team rallied back 20-11 run to cut the deficit “88-81” thanks to the 3-point play of Jordan Clarkson followed by Jamie Malonzo.
Jordan Clarkson led the Gilas with 23 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists, but his production did not help the hopeful Gilas with 8-20 in the field, Dwight Ramos, who only finished in double figure with 14 points and 3 assists. Gilas need to upset the Italy with 12 points or more to advance into the next round.
Gilas will now play in the classification round trying to improve their last finish in the 2019 FIBA WORLD CUP, while Italy will move to the next round.
