Italy vs Nigeria
July 31, 2021 12:40 am EDT
The Line: Italy -6
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Italy and Nigeria meet Saturday morning in the 2020 Olympics in a basketball meeting at the Saitama Super Arena. Italy looks for a victory after splitting their first two games. Nigeria looks for a feel good win after dropping its first two games.
Italy is coming off a heartbreaking loss to Australia its last time out. In the losing effort, Italy shot 50 percent from the field and 32 percent from three. Simone Fontecchio led Italy with 22 points and four rebounds while Nico Mannion had 21 points and three rebounds. Achille Polonara was the third double-digit scorer and Stefano Tonut grabbed one rebound. Defensively, Italy allowed 45.7 percent shooting from the field and 35 percent shooting from three. Italy went back and forth with the Aussies but just couldn’t close the deal late. The good news is the Italians through two games have proven they’re far from a pushover and could be an issue for a team if able to advance.
Nigeria is 0-2 in the games with losses to Australia and Germany. In the losing effort, Nigeria shot 50.7 percent from the field and 47.2 percent from three. Jordan Nwora led Nigeria with 33 points and seven rebounds while Miye Oni had 15 points and two rebounds. Jahlil Okafor dished one assist and Precious Achiuwa grabbed two rebounds. Defensively, Nigeria allowed 54 percent shooting from the field and 46.2 percent shooting from three. Nigeria has struggled defensively through two games and couldn’t find a consistent third option it’s last time out. While still an accomplishment to be here, this has been a disappointing showing for Nigeria given the way the exhibition games went down.
There’s no history between these two teams.
Italy has been more consistent this tournament and could have easily beaten an extremely good Australia side to improve to 2-0. Nigeria is better than what its shown up to this point, but the issues defensively don’t seem to be going away. Italy should win and cover this reasonable chalk here.
Give me the Italians.
