Host of Eurobasket 2007 Italy Out

Belarus abandoned their outside game from the off and went for the inside strength of Marina Kress and Anastasiya Verameyenka while Italy opened with a pair of treys by Francesca Modica in a hectic opening session. Belarus alternated their defensive systems between zone and player to player that disturbed the Italian attack while giving themselves more opportunities on the fast break. Belarus led (19-15) after the first period without hitting anything from down town.

The second period opened with Modica hitting her 3^rd 3 of the evening quickly followed by another Italian attack orchestrated by Giorgia Sottana as she drove to the basket and then passed out to the open Dubravaka Dacic who completed the move to put Italy back in front (21-20). This lead was short lived as Veremeenko concluded yet another Belarus fast break to go back in front. Both teams started to play exciting defence, one such action came from Laura Macchi chasing back Natallia Anufyienka to knock the ball away just as she was to lay up. Unfortunately this defensive action was not rewarded because off the inbound Katsiayna Snytsina was on hand to score the first 3-pointer for Belarus which gave them the first significant lead midway through the second quarter (28-23). Belarus picked up so many second or third rebound chances to slowly extend their advantage to go into the interval leading (38-30).

No let up for Italy as Belarus hit two quick baskets to start the third quarter. Italy then went to the perimeter option of Raffaella Masciadri but her two attempts fell short and then she was stripped by Olga Podobed. Afterwards Yelena Leuchanka scored from the resulting pass under the boards (44-32). Gianni Lambruschi called for a time-out. Italy did not have much answer for their opponents and attempted 11 shots in total from the land of many but did not make one, ironically Belarus continued to work from inside and went into the final period leading by 12 points.

Nataliya Trafimave opened proceedings in the final period with a 3-pointer and when Nataliya Marchanka controlling the pace of the game hit her trey (56-40) the writing was on the wall for Italy. Modica ended the 3-point drought for the hosts and gave the fans some hope that a comeback was possible (60-43).

Belarus showed another facet to their game today as they not only worked well the offensive boards but showed that they can play at pace. Italy just did not have any luck today as shot after shot either hit the rim or lipped out as the host crashed out (66-51).

Yelena Leuchanka finished with a game high 18 points for the winners while Anastasiya Verameyenka finished with a double- double (12points and 11 reboundss). For the hosts Francesca Modica scored 15 points with 4-of 6 from the land of many and Laura Macchi contributed 11 points

Post Game Interview by Leslie Anderson

Natallia Marchanka and Tatyana Troina