DOMINICAN Republic lit up from the outside to stun Italy, 87-82, on Sunday in the 2023 Fiba Basketball World Cup at the Smart-Araneta Coliseum.
Just two days after barely getting by co-host Philippines, Dominican Republic nailed 16 three-pointers to upset an Azzurri squad that entered the tournament with a 7-0 win-loss slate in the buildup to the global showcase.
READ: Gilas' brave stand vs Dominican Republic falls just short
The Dominican Republic win also meant Gilas Pilipinas will remain in contention for a spot in the second round, regardless of the result of its match against Angola later in the night.
A win by Gilas Pilipinas versus Angola on Sunday night will turn its final group-stage game against Italy on Tuesday as the battle for a spot in the second round.
Dominican Republic will seal its place in the second round with a Philippines win over Angola on Sunday night.
“We respect Italy team, their players, and their coach. Like I said before, I believe too much with my guys. They were focused and played good basketball,” said Dominican Republic coach Nestor ‘Che’ Garcia.
Karl-Anthony Towns had 24 points and 11 rebounds while shooting 4-of-9 from threes, but it was his teammate Andres Feliz who was near unstoppable.
Feliz shot 7-of-10 from threes on his way to finishing with 24 points for Dominican Republic, which still had to stave off a late rally by Italy to take the win.
Dominican Republic fell behind 12-0 but outscored Italy, 31-17, in the third to take control of the game.
Marco Spissu had 17 points, while Simone Fontecchio added 13 for Italy in the defeat.
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