OKC Thunder forward Danilo Gallinari’s Team Italy suffers first loss at FIBA versus Serbia
OKC Thunder forward Danilo Gallinari and his Italian team played their final match of round one of the FIBA 2019 tournament suffering their first loss.
After two consecutive solid victories, OKC Thunder forward Danilo Gallinari and his Italian squad finally faced an opponent who proved to be their toughest challenge as they fell to Serbia 92-77.
Both the Philippines and Angola squads were unable to match the Italian clubs overall production but in the Serbian squad they more than met their match. This wasn’t a terrible loss given their two previous wins and Serbia was designated as a team who could win the World Cup.
Following two great game plans by Italian Head Coach Meo Sacchetti the Serbian team posed a much greater challenge. That said, this match showcased the very best of OKC Thunder forward Danilo Gallinari as he led his National squad with 26 points. Once again Gallo provided a full effort also contributing eight rebounds, an assist and was on fire from deep hitting five of his eight 3-point attempts.
Three of Gallo’s teammates chipped in double-digit scoring with fellow NBA pro Marco Belinelli scoring 15 points, Daniel Hackett adding 13 points and Alessandro Gentile chipping in 11 points.
After besting their opponents easily in the two previous outings the Italians failed to win any of the quarters. They began the contest losing the first quarter 23 to 28 and followed it up with a 19 to 22-second quarter differential.
With Serbia leading 50 to 42 at the half the Italians failed to gain any ground in the second half losing the third quarter 15 to 20 and the final frame 20 to 22.
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In spite of the loss by virtue of winning the first two matches, the Italian team moved into the second round with an opportunity to still play for the 2019 FIBA title.
The Serbian Team like the Italian’s featured several NBA talents all of whom shone in the win over Italy.
Sacramento Kings youngster Bogdan Bogdanovic was on fire scoring 31 points connecting on six of his 11 shots from behind the perimeter.
Nikola Jokic produced an overall effort with 15 points, six rebounds, and four assists while the other NBA pros featured Sixers Boban Marjanovic with six points plus a rebound and Sacramento Kings Nemanja Bjelica delivering an overall game effort of six points, seven rebounds, nine assists, a steal, and a block.
Next. How Thunder can capitalize on Gallinari's desire to join contender. dark
Again, despite the loss, the Italians move into the second phase of the tournament with a shot at moving into the quarter-finals and further depending on their ability to defeat the two squads they’ll face in round two. To that end, the Italians will face another title favorite – Team Spain on September 6th.