Italy put pressure on Croatia with an 80-64 win in Zagreb, which leaves the latter stuck without a win in two World Cup qualifying games.
Amedeo Della Valle exploded for 25 points as the Azzuri extended their unbeaten run to two games in Group D thanks to a sublime second quarter where they recovered from a 23-15 deficit to storm into the half, 35-32 in-front. From there, it was one way traffic as Italy eased to victory.
Lithuania improved to 2-0 as solid defence led to a 75-55 win over Poland in Group C.
After a closely fought first quarter, Lithuania held the Poles to just eight points in the second as they took firm control, taking full advantage, scoring 25 points from Poland’s 18 turnovers.
Eimantas Bendzius had 18 for Lithuania.
In a rematch of the Eurobasket 2017 semi-final, Spain gained a measure of revenge even if it was with a drastic change of rosters, as they saw-off European champions Slovenia 92-84.
Quim Colom was one assist away from a double-double as he posted 25 points and nine assists in the win, as Spain go 2-0 in Group A, while Slovenia taste defeat for the first time in this quaifying campaign.
Other Results:
Group A: Belarus 67-91 Montenegro; Spain 92-84 Slovenia
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qdR0BwEyyz4
Group B: Latvia 82-73 Sweden; Ukraine 60-67 Turkey
Group C: Lithuania 75-55 Poland; Hungary 84-75 Kosovo
Group D: Croatia 64-80 Italy; Romania 75-68 Netherlands
