Fiba World Cup: Simone Fontecchio, Italy fend off Angola
Italy’s Simone Fontecchio during a game against Angola in the Fiba World Cup at Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan. -MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
BOCAUE—Simone Fontecchio and Stefano Tonut propelled Italy past gritty Angola, 81-67, to kick off their Fiba World Cup 2023 campaign on a high note on Friday at Philippine Arena here.
Utah Jazz forward Fontecchio poured in 19 points despite struggling from the three-point line shooting only 17 percent as the Black Antelopes pushed them to their limits in the first game of their 10th appearance on the sport’s biggest stage.
Tonut also stepped up for the Azzurri with 18 points for an early 1-0 lead in Group A ahead of their next match against the Karl-Anthony Towns-led Dominican Republic on Sunday at Smart Araneta Coliseum.
Giampaolo Ricci also shone as he came to the rescue when Angola pulled even at 57-all in the third quarter off Gerson Goncalves’ layup with 39 seconds remaining as the Italian scored six of their 8-0 run to give his team a 65-57 breather early in the fourth and nailed a clutch three-pointer at the 3:58 mark to pull away with a 72-64 advantage.
Ricci contributed 12 points, three rebounds, and two blocks, while Nicolo Melli added seven points, six rebounds, and three blocks.
Italy coach Gianmarco Pozzecco credited the Black Antelopes for giving them a stiff challenge especially in the first three quarters and took the blame for his team’s lackluster start that saw the Azzurri trail 13-6 early before Nicolo Melli helped restore order by anchoring a 14-0 run to turn the tide to their favor late in the opening period.
“First of all, I have to congratulate coach (Pep) Claros and all of his staff and players. They played a real game… This is from deep of my heart because they really played good game tactically with emotion,” said Pozzecco shortly after the game.
“I have to apologize to my players because I was completely under stress. I support them. I was negative and they felt that so I really want to apologize to them but definitely they did what they had to do.”
Italy’s Stefano Tonut against Angola in the Fiba World Cup at Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan. -MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
Fontecchio’s layup and goaltending violation by Angola’s Jilson Bango gave the Azzurri a 12-point advantage, 79-67, in the final two minutes and never looked back.
Ricci contributed 12 points, three rebounds, and two blocks, while Nicolo Melli added seven points, six rebounds, and three blocks.
Childe Dundao led the gallant stand of Angola with 19 points built on four triples, while NBA big man Bruno Fernando had 13 points, five rebounds, and four steals.
The Black Antelopes hope to bounce back against Gilas Pilipinas on Sunday also at the Big Dome.
