The Azzurri rediscover the defense and the three-point shot in the decisive match for the passage of the round. In Manila it is a 90-83 victory over the Philippines . Pozzecco's team reaches the second phase in the group where Serbia and the Dominican Republic have already arrived.
Only in the first quarter did Italy have difficulties because despite the good start (+5) they suffered the speed and the three-point shot of the Filipinos, ending even at -3.
Tonut (also excellent in defense against the dreaded Clarkson) and Spissu lead in attack , but above all it is the defense that works and gives security . Fontecchio also improves and at rest it is +9, 39-48.
In the third fraction, the national team manages the Philippines' attempts to return well and the gap is maintained in double figures, indeed, with the triples of Pajola and Spissu it is also +18 in the 32nd minute. However, the landlords didn't give up and some of the Azzurri seemed a little tired, also due to the prolonged use (see Spissu): 81-88 with 100 seconds to go.
Top scorers Fontecchio with 18 points, Ricci with 14 points and Tonut and Spissu with 13, with the Sassarese also giving 9 assists .