World Military Championship: Italy too good for Uzbekistan

Patrick Baldassarre

Italy - Uzbekistan 77:67

Italy registered the third win at the World Military Championship in Brazil. They overcame Uzbekistan to improve at 3-1 record in Group B. Vincenzo di Vaccaro stepped up with 21 points to lead the effort. Uzbekistan slipped at 1-3 record after the loss.
Italy led throughout the opening quarter. They posted a 20:13 advantage at the first break. The Azzurri stretched the margin to 11 points midway through the second quarter but the Asian team finished the half on a 10:3 run to narrow the deficit at four-point mark 35:39. Uzbekistan stayed close throughout the third quarter and eventually levelled things up at 53. But the Azzurri stepped on the gas in the final frame and ran away for the victory. Patrick Baldassarre (200-F-86, agency: Players Group) notched 19 points and 7 rebounds for the Azzurri. Roberto Prandin (188-G-86) contributed 12 points in the winning effort. Vyacheslav Denisov (190-G-83) replied with 15 points for Uzbekistan. Aleksandr Kozlov (202-F-82) added 14 points in the losing effort.

Italy: Vincenzo di Vaccarro 21, Patrick Baldassarre 19, Roberto Prandin 12
Uzbekistan: Vyacheslav Denisov 15, Aleksandr Kozlov 14