Australia led the game by as much as 19 in the second quarter on the back of Dash Daniels distributing (16 points, 8 assists) Ajak Nyuon (22 points) carving space and sharp shooting by Indy Cotton (13 points, 8 rebounds).
Italy halted the Crocs momentum at the end of a 15 – 0 run using a physical edge to create high quality looks through Diego Garavagila (19 points - 9 rebounds)
Offensive opportunities seized up for the Crocs in the last quarter and a blue rush of buckets followed. A timely Mading Kuany block sent the game to overtime.
Italy had the edge early in extra time, but the Crocs wouldn’t roll over. A Dash Daniels steal and layup lifted the Aussies to close a gap of seven – followed by a massive three from Nash Walker to pull to two.
The dagger came with 35 seconds to play with a clutch three from Italy’s Achille Lonati. Time became the biggest enemy from there – the Crocs bowing out before the quarter finals.
FIBA U17 MEN'S WORLD CUP
AUS v ITA - GROUP OF 16
|
TEAM
|
Q1
|
Q2
|
Q3
|
Q4
|
OT1
|
| AUS |
16
|
25
|
22
|
16
|
12
|
| ITA |
15
|
20
|
22
|
22
|
16
|
