12 June 2018
By Maxine Louise Lagman
BOCAUE, Bulacan – After beating top-seeded China, Italy was a force to be reckoned with and defeated former champion Russia, 16-12, at the FIBA 3×3 World Cup championship on Tuesday at the Philippine Arena.
With its first appearance at the FIBA 3×3 championship, Italy surged a strong start against defending champs Russia, 3-0. However, Russia stuck by and put the game on dreadlock, 7-all.
Filipino crowd favorite Rae Lin D’Alie shot a long jumper to keep the Italians on top and later on had another basket that gave Italy a comfortable cushion of six points.
Russia was able to cut the deficit to four after Alexandra Stolyar and Anna Leshkovtseva shot back-to-back baskets in the final minute, but it’s still not enough for them to keep the championship title as time ran out of their favor.
D’Allie had seven points. Guilia Rulli finished with four points, while Guilia Ciavarella added another three for Italy’s victory.
D’Allie was crowned MVP of the FIBA 3×3 World Cup 2018 as she topped the women’s division with 52 points. Anna Leshkovtseva from Russia finished with a silver medal, while China’s Li Yingyun followed.
The Scores:
ITALY 16 – D’Alie 7, Rulli 4, Ciavarella 3, Filippi 2.
RUSSIA 12 – Leshkovtseva 4, Logunova 3, Stolyar 3, Sapova 2.
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