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Tuesday’s FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 match between the Philippines and Italy saw a lot of drama, as both teams looked to win till the very end. However, Italy clinched the victory against the hosts by 90-83, at the Araneta Coliseum in the Philippines. The match saw a dramatic block late in the third quarter from the Philippines’ Rhenz Abando, which grabbed the attention of viewers.
The match started off well, and the Philippines enjoyed a three-point lead at the end of the first quarter. But the Italians jumped back strongly in the second quarter and took a lead of nine points at the end of the half-time.
The magnificent block took place in the third quarter, with 1:17 minutes remaining on the clock. Italy’s forward Giampaolo Ricci, whose height measures a whopping 6 foot 7 inches, attempted to dunk a basket, and it looked like an easy score for Italy. But the Philippines’ shooting guard swooped in from nowhere, blocked Ricci, and saved crucial points for him. Abando’s height measures 6 feet 2 inches, which is about five inches shorter than his Italian counterpart.
Watch the video here:
In the end, though, the Philippines fell short by a deficit of seven points, as the match ended 83-90 in favor of Italy. Simone Fontecchio top-scored for the Italians, with 18 points to his name, six rebounds, and an assist.
With this defeat, the Philippines have been knocked out of the tournament, as they have failed to win a single game out of the three they played. Italy looks likely to qualify for the next round alongside the Dominican Republic in their group.
