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15/08/2004Day 1 Men: ITA 71 - NZL 69
ATHENS – Italy started the Olympic basketball tournament with a 71-69 win over New Zealand today, almost giving their fans heart attacks in the process.
Massimo BULERI (ITA), the player who missed both free throws 2.5 seconds before the final buzzer, didn't celebrate.
When the bronze medallists of Eurobasket 2003 led the game by 19 points (52-33 midway through the third period), they thought the game was over, allowing the “Black Talls” to make a tremendous comeback.
After a great offensive effort, New Zealand managed to cut the deficit to 71-69 with two free throws by Sean MARKS with 42 seconds to go.
Italy had the chance to stall the NZ challenge, but both Massimo BULLERI and Gianluca BASILE missed crucial shots giving the opportunity to their opponents to tie the game.
With 2.5 seconds to go, Phil JONES (NZL) made a turnover and BULLERI got a foul, although he missed both free throws, the last one on purpose, to let time expire.
BASILE led Italy with 16 points (with 4/13 threes), while Giacomo GALANDA added 15 points (plus 6 rebounds) and BULLERI had 12.
Kirk PENNEY led New Zealand with 20 points (including a three point play that cut the deficit at 71-67), while JONES contributed 15 points (plus 7 boards) and MARKS and Mark DICKEL added 13 and 10 points and also grabbed 9 and 7 rebounds respectively.
| Flash quotes: |
Massimo BULLERI (ITA) -
On the thrilling end of the game:
"It was a happy end but a terrible second half. We must forget this game and focus for the next one against Serbia and Montenegro."
On his missed second free throw in the last seconds:
"Yes I lost the second free throw by purpose. I wanted to use up the time and not allow New Zealand to make the last shot."
Giacomo GALANDA (ITA) - Captain
On the game:
"We expected that New Zealand is a good and competitive team but we shouldn’t allow them to make so many easy points especially in the second half. It was a lesson for us. We must learn and be better on defense. It’s our strength."
On the victory against USA two weeks before in a friendly game at Cologne:
"Okay all the people talk about this game. It is not our picture. We just proved that USA team is not unbeatable."
Phillip JONES (NZL) - Guard
On his performance:
"I am very disappointed with my performance. In the last offence of my team, someone tripped me and I couldn’t make the shot. I missed too many shots during the game. Now, we have to leave this game behind and focus on our next match."
Sean MARKS (NZL) - Centre/Forward
On the game:
"We had a disappointing first half. Things didn’t work out for us, especially on defense. In the second half we recovered and looked the Italians in the eyes. We had our chance to win the game, but obviously Italy has a great team."
On his team's chances in the tournament:
"We came here to win a medal. We want to prove to the people that the World Championships in Indianapolis isn’t just a moment for us, we would like to prove that we have talent."
| Press conference quotes: |
Matteo SORAGNA (ITA)
On the game:
"The game was as expected. We knew we would play against a team very well-organised and tough defensively, which plays a very physical game. In the first half things went easier for us, but in the second we allowed them too many shots, although after such a first half it was very likely our opponents would make a run at us."
On the tournament:
"This competition will be very open because European teams have improved considerably, and they have players from the NBA. It will be not easy for the Americans, who have a young team, to beat teams like, for example, European champions Lithuania or world champions Serbia and Montenegro."
Carlo RECALCATI (ITA) - Coach
On his team's performance:
"We were indeed expecting New Zealand to give us a hard time, but the way the game went maybe we shouldn't have such difficulties in the end. It was our first game, and I have to praise my players for their concentration and determination in the first half."
On New Zealand's performance:
"We also must pay tribute to our opponents' intense performance in the second half, where they made an extraordinary comeback. We are very pleased with the win, and New Zealand rose even higher in our esteem."
Sean MARKS (NZL) - Forward/Centre
On the game:
"Although we must give credit to Italy, on our part we were sort of flat in the first half, coming into the game without the required mental preparation. I have to take much of the blame for that, being one of the oldest players. We need to step up, get ourselves going before every game, and not let the situation get out of hand. Hopefully this will not happen again."
Tab BALDWIN (NZL) - Coach
On his team's performance:
"We felt Italy would get into the game confident, following their big win against the United States. As Sean also mentioned, our own mental preparation was not 'up to the task', and I honestly don't have an answer to that. In the end, it was unfortunate to put so much effort into coming back and fall short."
On the referees' performance:
"Maybe the referees did not help us too much on the last play, but it's no use crying. Maybe we had to do a better job ourselves on that play and find our open guys."
On New Zealand's next game:
"I'd love to be in Italy's shoes and have a win under my belt, but I don't, so now we must regroup and get ready for China."
Gamecard...
Source: Athens News Service
