[Basketball- FIBA World Cup] 5.9/ 14:40 Italy- USA

[Fazio]

[Basketball- FIBA World Cup] 5.9/ 14:40 Italy- USA

The USA went smooth through the World Cup with an average winning margin of 28 points per game. Until getting hit hard by the loss to Lithuania. Size, rebounding and 2nd chance points were all in favor of Lithuania. Lithuania hitting all of the first nine threes and some other unreal shots thwarted an US comeback. Beyond that, Lithuania is on a tear in this World Cup. Blowing out their first four opponents by each 20+ points. They have a balanced skilled squad behind Pelicans Valanciunas and their shooting is top-notch.

Italy is far off being something like Lithuania. No big size advantage, average rebounding, less 2nd chance points chances, shooting from three below average. They went through the tournament after a fashion. They heavily rely on Fontecchio's hot hand. Containing Fontecchio and ball pressure on 3-point shots should keep Italy at a low score. Also, the US paint defense should look much better against Italy's smaller and less skilled offense than they did against Lithuania.

Italy averages 80.8 points and scoring less than 83 points in 4 out of 5 games. The USA averages 101.4 points and scoring in 4 out of 5 games 99+ points. I put my money on the US team picking up where they left off before the game against Lithuania.

2 (handicap -16,5) @1,85 Bet365

63-100