EuroBasket: Italy narrowly defeats Spain to reach the Round of 16, Aldama’s 19+10 unable to prevent comeback

On September 3rd, during the EuroBasket group stage, Italy narrowly beat Spain 67-63, bringing their record to 3-1 and advancing to the Round of 16. Italy fell behind 0-13 early on but maintained composure to overturn the deficit. In the decisive moments, Spain was hit with a flagrant foul, enabling Italy to convert successive free throws and claim the win. Spain’s Hernangómez brothers struggled, going a combined 0-for-8, while Aldama contributed 19 points and 10 rebounds but couldn’t change the outcome.

Statistics

Italy: Diouf 14 points 8 rebounds, Ricci 11 points 5 rebounds, Nnoko 10 points 10 rebounds, Fontecchio 8 points 9 rebounds (2/11 FG), Spissu 7 points 4 rebounds 6 assists, Thompson 7 points 2 rebounds

Spain: Aldama 19 points 10 rebounds 4 assists, Asensio 15 points 7 rebounds, Guaita 9 points 3 rebounds, Willy Hernangómez 1 point 3 rebounds (0/4 FG), Juan Hernangómez 0 points 2 rebounds (0/4 FG)

Player of the Match

Diouf led Italy with the highest score on the team, scoring key points during the comeback phase to help Italy overturn the deficit.

Match Recap

In the first quarter, Asensio scored consecutively, Aldama hit a three-pointer, and Spain opened with a 13-0 run. Italy failed to score in the first 7 and a half minutes. Nnoko’s dunk finally broke Italy’s scoring drought, followed by points from Thompson and Gallinari. At the end of the quarter, Spain led Italy 18-10.

In the second quarter, Ricci made a three-pointer, Nnoko dunked again, cutting the gap to 3 points. Guaita and Thompson exchanged three-pointers, Fontecchio also hit a triple, and with Diouf scoring consecutively, Italy tied the game. Asensio responded with another three, Aldama scored a floater, and at halftime Spain led Italy 36-30.

After the break, Ricci scored 5 straight points, Fontecchio made a mid-range jumper, while Spain’s Asensio and Yusta answered back. Diouf scored 7 points in a row, Nnoko followed with a put-back, and Italy surged ahead 10-2 to take the lead. At the end of the third quarter, Italy led Spain 49-47.

In the final quarter, Fernández hit a three-pointer, Diouf scored on a fast break, Thompson made a floater, and Aldama completed a three-point play then hit a three-pointer. At a critical moment, Spissu made two free throws to give Italy a one-point lead. Shortly after, Spain committed a flagrant foul, fouling Spissu who then converted two more free throws. Italy maintained possession, forcing Spain to foul repeatedly. Ricci made one of two free throws, and Italy completed the comeback to defeat Spain.

Starting Lineups

Italy: Diouf, Fontecchio, Spagnolo, Pajola, Melli

Spain: Aldama, Asensio, Yusta, Willy Hernangómez, López