Simone Fontecchio is starting to emerge as Italy’s big-time performer as he spearheaded the ambush of Serbia, 78-76, in the FIBA Basketball World Cup on Friday at the Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Fontecchio sizzled for 30 points while missing only two attempts from the field in the second half on top of seven rebounds and three assists to help the Italians deal Serbians their first setback in this 32-nation tournament.
He delivered the baskets that mattered, including a clutch floater in the final 33 seconds that gave Italy a 78-74 lead and sealed the outcome of the match between two of the top teams in Europe.
Serbian star Bogdan Bogdanovic tried to cut the deficit with a pair of free throws in the final 28.3 seconds but Stefan Jovic muffed a long three-pointer that helped the Italians preserve the victory.
Marco Spissu supported Fontecchio with 14 points while veteran Luigi Datome added 10 markers for the Italians, who are looking to knock the crown off the head of another European superpower in Spain.
Bogdanovic, who plays for the Atlanta Hawks in the National Basketball Association, fired 18 points while Ognjen Dobric and Nikola Milutinov added 15 and 14 markers, respectively.
It was the Italians’ third win in four matches and a good way to start the second round.
