blue vendetta

Despite the fact that Cáceres gave herself up to the National Team to recognize her indisputable merit and the phenomenal values ​​that made her the Eurobasket champion, Spain could not round off the qualifying phase for the World Cup. The absences of some classics from the Windows weighed heavily and Italy, which had the defeat of the first phase nailed in Pesaro, se took revenge with a serious victory (68-72) that confirms the good work of Pozzecco, that he is building a selection at the height of the history of the azzurra. Without generators, few points in the hands of the shooters and a serious problem with defensive rebounding, the game was too uphill for Spain, who gave what he had but to which it was not enough. Defeat, yes. It has slight consequences because Spain will be in pot one of the World Cup draw due to its ranking and it only remains to be seen whether or not it will hold out at number one.

Contrary to how the first part had progressed, in which they had amassed some interesting advantage of up to seven points (27-20) for how close the game was, the Selection went down at halftime (29-33) after going blind and collapsing in attack in the last minutes of the second quarter. Led in the first minutes by Alberto Díaz, and later by Tyson Pérez, a worthy replacement for Samurai Sebas Saz, then blocked. Italywho grew during the first half, went up at half-time showing the hallmarks that have made Pozzeco’s men grow: good defense, transitions and choral attack with good movement of the ball to find the extra shot: although it did not pass from 3/13 in triples in the first parthe did easily score two (7/14). Spain needed more to protect the number one in the FIBA ​​ranking. Scariolo knew it, who had prepared the game with care despite having the classification sealed.

The second part began with two bad news. First, Spissu, Pozzecco’s favorite left-hander, was injured. And then Alberto Díaz committed the fourth foul. Minute 23. Too soon. Spain remained embroiled in attack and Scariolo was forced to try things. Why not, a zone. Visconti broke it with two triples, one of them very lucky. Spain persisted in the attempt and, although they did not have tall players, which cost Italy many second options, they gritted their teeth at the back, but the problem was in attack. He played with very low percentages, lacked game generators and finished the third quarter with a very poor score and eight from the rival (44-52). Spain tried until the end. He found some points from Juan Núñez and after trailing by thirteen (48-61), he rowed and rowed but this time to the Selection of the impossible lacked time. Once the classification is sealed, the World Cup adventure begins.