Taking a trident of offensive talent, Italy posts turnaround win over Puerto Rico

BELGRADE (Serbia) - National team of Italy defeat Puerto Rico by 90-83 in the first and only match, which secures them going to Semi-Finals of the Belgrade's OQT as a winner of Group A.

The Azzuri were led by Simone Fontecchio,  Achille Polonara and Nicolo Mannion as the trident combined for 63 points as they came from behind in the second half to grab a vital win for Semi-Final seeding purposes.

Turning point: Impressive 19-0 run that started in the middle of the third quarter helped the boys from the boot country complete a big comeback after trailing by 17 points in the first half of a very intense game inside Aleksandar Nikolic Hall.

Game heroes:  Each of the previously mentioned players from the fantastic Italian Big 3 finished the game with the same amount of points: Polonara posted a double-double with 21 points (four threes) and 11 rebounds; Simone Fontecchio had 21 points with 6 rebounds; and the energetic Golden State Warriors playmaker Mannion added 21 points and 6 assists.

Stats don't lie: Italy was without captains Nicolo Melli's scoring help in the very close contest. He missed all of his six shots from the field and both free throws, but Meo Sacchetti's team overcame that with 36 points from off the bench.

 They said: "I was coming off the bench, look what we needed and saw that the energy was a bit low. So I bring it defensively. I know that if I do that, it will raise the energy level around me and did the first and foremost. So, that happens, and we find some offensive rhythm from the defensive end. After that, shots were starting to fall in, and things become easier for us." Nicolo Mannion, Italy's playmaker.

FIBA