Italy improve to 2-0 on last-second Flaccadori game winner
HERAKLION (2015 FIBA U19 World Championship) - Diego Flaccadori converted a layup with less than a second to play as Italy picked up their second straight victory at the 2015 FIBA U19 World Championship
HERAKLION (2015 FIBA U19 World Championship) - Diego Flaccadori converted a layup with less than a second to play as Italy picked up their second straight victory at the 2015 FIBA U19 World Championship with a 69-67 win over Australia in Group C.
Turning Point: Australian guard Dejan Vasiljevic nailed a three-pointer with 18 seconds left to tie the game at 67-67, but Flaccadori came up big with the heroics, driving the left side of the basket and hitting his tough layup.
Stats Don't Lie: Italy shot 36 percent from the field for the game but nailed 12-of-28 three-pointers for 43 percent while Australia struggled with just 3-of-13 three-pointers for 23 percent. The Australians also converted only 10-of-17 free throws for 59 percent.
Game Hero: Sure, Flaccadori hit the game-winner but he was all over the place for Italy with 23 points, three rebounds, two assists, two steals and one block.
The Bottom Line: After an easy blowout of Tunisia, Italy showed themselves they can beat a tough team as well in improving to 2-0 in the group. Australia have lost their two games by a combined five points, but the only thing that matters is the 0-2 record as they look to build up some confidence ahead of the knock-out stage against Tunisia.
FIBA