Italy cruise past Mexico, set up re-match with Croatia for ticket to Rio

Turin (2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournaments) - Italy cruised to a 79-54 win over Mexico in Friday's second Semi-Final at the 2016 FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament (OQT) in Turin to set up a showdown with Croatia in Saturday's Final.

It will be a re-match as the two teams squared off in the Group Phase, with the tournament hosts coming out on top 67-60 in Tuesday's encounter. However, the stakes will be a lot higher this time around, with the winners qualifying for Rio 2016.

Italy were in control for most of Friday's game, taking their first double-digit lead on a Danilo Gallinari three-pointer with 2:46 remaining in the first half and heading into the locker room up 38-28. Mexico got the deficit back to single digits early in the second half before the Italians scored the last 11 points of the third quarter to put the game beyond the Mexicans' reach. 

Turning Point: After Juan Toscano got Mexico within 47-41 with 3:54 left in the third quarter. Italy responded by going on a 13-0 run spanning the rest of that period and the start of the final frame for a commanding 60-41 advantage.

Stats Don't Lie: Italy's reserves outscored Mexico's 33-13.

Game Hero: Nicolo Melli provided a huge lift off Italy's bench, finishing with 14 points, 6 rebounds, 2 steals and 1 block in 19 minuntes of action.

The Bottom Line: Italy were heavily favoured to get the better of a Mexico team missing its biggest player in Gustavo Ayon. Their second-half performance on Friday was clinical and they will need to be as sharp going up against a Croatia side not only hungry to get to the Olympics but also to exact a measure of revenge for Tuesday's loss.

FIBA