POSTED BY: Eurobasket News
Dejan Vasiljevic
Group A
Australia - Czech Republic 88-59
Australia rolled over Czech Republic to gain the second victory in Naples. Dejan Vasiljevic (190-G-97) came up with 21 points to lead the effort. George Blagojevic (203-F-96, college: Hartford) contributed 10 points in the win. Martin Peterka (205-C-95) replied with 11 points for Czech Republic.
Israel - Mexico 77-75
Israel nipped Mexico to earn the third straight win in Group A. Netanel Artzi (198-F-97, agency: Ron Sport) scored 13 points to pace the winners. Rafi Menco (200-SF-94) and Lior Carreira (196-F-97) added 10 points each for Israel. Andriassi Josue (186-G-97) replied with 19 points for Mexico.
Group B
Croatia - Argentina 54-66
Argentina beat Croatia and sealed their quarterfinal berth. Facundo Corvalan (190-PG-98) netted 18 points for the Latin American side. Erik Thomas (196-SF-95, college: New Orleans) contributed 12 points for Argentina. David Skara (203-F-95) replied with 17 points and 8 rebounds for Croatia.
Russia - Latvia 55-68
Latvia upset Russia to advance into the quarterfinal stage at the tournament. Rendijs Feikners (188-G-96, college: FGCU) notched 14 points for the Baltic state. Linards Jaunzems (202-F-95) provided 12 points for Latvia. Ilya Aginskikh (204-F/C-94) answered with 12 points for Russia.
Group C
USA - China 99-70
USA crushed China to improve at 3-0 record in Group C. Aamir Simms (203-F) delivered 19 points, while Tevin Mack (198-G/F-97) added 16 points for the winning side. Zhang Ning (F-97) and Baiqing Zhao (205-C-98) dropped 14 points each for China.
Finland - Ukraine 65-72
Ukraine topped Finland to advance into the playoffs. Sergiy Sergei Popov (196-G-88) was pivotal with 24 points and 14 rebounds for the winning side. Illya Sidorov (184-PG-96) produced 14 points for Ukraine. Mikael Jantunen (204-F-00) replied with 17 points and 8 rebounds for Finland.
Group D
Canada - Norway 73-65
Canada outscored Norway to gain the third straight win in Group D. Five players scored in double digits for Canada. Munis Tutu (183-PG-96, college: Loyola Mary) posted 15 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. Mambi Diawara (193-G-94, college: Lamar St.CC) chipped in 14 points for Canada. Harald Frey (185-G-97) notched 20 points for Norway.
Italy - Germany 67-81
Germany shocked Italy to reach the quarterfinal stage. Christian Sengfelder (203-F-95, college: Boise St.) stepped up with 27 points and 6 rebounds for Germany. Karim Jallow (198-SG-97) added 20 points in the win. Riccardo Visconti (197-G/F-98) poured in 15 points for Italy.
