HERAKLION (2015 FIBA U19 World Championship) - Reigning champions United States advanced to the Semi-Finals of the 2015 FIBA U19 World Championship with a convincing 86-65 victory over Italy. Four players scored in double figures for USA while Diego Flaccadori tallied 21 points for Italy.

Turning Point: Italy were sticking close with the Americans, trailing 35-27 midway through the second quarter, when USA went on a 10-1 spurt to jump ahead 45-28. Italy never threatened thereafter. 

Stats Don't Lie: The United States shot 54 percent from the field while holding Italy to 34 percent. They also grabbed 47 rebounds compared to 28 for Italy while scoring 46 points in the paint to Italy’s 24. The Americans also took advantage of their depth with 41 bench points while the Italian reserves tallied 18 points. 

Game Hero: Jalen Brunson ran a good show for USA with 17 points to go with five assists, three steals and two rebounds. 

The Bottom Line: The United States reached the final four for the fourth time in the last five editions of the tournament. The reigning champs will face off against the winner of the last Quarter-Final between Greece and Spain. Italy, appearing in the U19 Worlds for the first time since 1995, will face the loser in the Classification 5-8 round. 

FIBA