By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
By delivering show of strength in the second half, Italy advanced to the Olympic Qualifying Tournament Final, by making short work of Mexico 79 – 54. Now the “Azzuri” are going to clash swords with Croatia for the trophy that is the ticket to Rio.
Four players of the Italian national team scored in double-digits numbers, with Danilo Gallinari (15 points, 4 rebounds) and Nicolo Melli (14 points, 6 rebounds) being the protagonists among Messina’s guys.
The tournament’s hosts had the upper hand from the beginning and the more the game progressed, the more firm their grip on the game was getting. Mexico tried to resist, but when Italy transformed their 47 – 41 lead into 60 – 41, one minute into the fourth quarter, they pretty much made it clear that there would be no turning back.
The 20 points and 7 rebounds of Fernando Cruz were the only gleaming aspect of the Mexicans, who made 17 turnovers and shot 5/19 from behind the arc.