Italy ended the World Cup in eighth place after being defeated by Slovenia 89-85 in Manila. Spissu's 22 points remain from this match with 6 triples which equals his career high in blue and above all the standing ovation in the Philippine arena dedicated to the last match of Gigi Datome's career, which ends with 323 matches in all national teams.
Triple by Spissu and coast to coast with a two-handed dunk by Melli . There is also Fontecchio , recovered, in the quintet that plays decidedly more aggressively than the Slovenians: 12-4 in the 5th minute. In the 7th minute Datome comes on and shortly after the others on the bench. Meanwhile, Doncic starts to get going and the first quarter ends with the advantage of just one basket, 18-15.
Slovenia overtakes at the start of the second quarter : 18-20 . Slowly the quintet is recomposed and Spissu from three brings the Azzurri ahead and then also scores the +6 in the 16th minute. It goes in bursts especially in terms of concentration and the score lengthens and shortens: 34-33. The former Dinamo Nikolic for the new overtaking Slovenia: 34-37. Italy misses a few too many passes due to superficiality and is unable to complete the comeback.
Italy's offensive blackout at the beginning of the third quarter and ends at -11 after three minutes. At 28' Doncic scores two free throws to make it 50-65. Spissu scores 8 in a row with two bombs to try to shake up the Azzurri: 60-70.
Italy got off to a better start in the last half as they approached with Melli's steal: 70-73 in the 34th minute. Assist by Spissu for -1 by Melli. Spagnolo equalises: 76-76 in the 36th minute. With 3'26” remaining, Gigi Datome was called off and the entire Philippine stadium gave him a standing ovation. Italy ends up at -5 and Spissu puts them back in balance with two baskets: 83-83 with 81 seconds to go. Tap in by Ricci and he's overtaking. Triple by Cesabek for the counter-overtaking and then Fontecchio breaks through in attack. Hrovat from the line for +3 Slovenia at 17 seconds. Then in attack another loss by Fontecchio and a lost match.
