Memorable Second Round Battles and Best Players Highlighted in Group I

MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Group I produced some very memorable Second Round battles, as well as most of our September 1 Best Players.

There were several players who helped Puerto Rico out of a hole and celebrate a 102-97 victory over the Dominican Republic to create more confusion in Group I. However, Tremont Waters really deserves to be highlighted after racking up 37 points, 11 assists, 7 rebounds and 4 steals. His shooting percentage was also excellent, especially on 7 of 13 from three-point range. The point guard came oh so close to matching Josh Hawkinson for most single-game efficiency in this World Cup, as the Japanese center had a 44 rating.

Dominican Republic point guard Andrés Feliz was on the other side of that tight end, despite making all his shots in the fourth quarter and also dishing out 2 big assists. In fact, Feliz missed just one shot in the entire game and closed the game with 22 points, 8 assists, 5 rebounds, 2 steals, making 7 of 8 from the field and all 4 of his free throws attempted. Sometimes it’s just not enough…

Italy have relied on Simone Fontecchio throughout the World Cup and boy did that trust in him pay off in a 78-76 win against Serbia. He started the game with a powerful forehand dunk and gradually took control in the second half, with Italy trailing in double digits. A one-on-one display turned into a 30-point, 7-rebound, 3-assist performance, with Fontecchio hitting 9 of 11 2-pointers and proving that midrange is still alive and well.

Karl-Anthony Towns had one of those games where it seemed like he could do anything on the court, but it’s just a reminder that every NBA All-Star experiences World Cup losses. Thunderous dunks, cruel rejections and 3-pointers from center were part of his repertoire, as he racked up 39 points, 10 rebounds, 2 blocks and 9-of-9 shooting from the foul line.

It’s hard to imagine that Mike Tobey could have finished fourth in efficiency on any given day after that great game he had in Slovenia’s 91-80 game against Australia. It’s already a given that he has perfect chemistry with Luka Doncic in the pick-and-roll, however, the center also did something of his own with a performance of 18 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists, repeating his single-game record, when he played for Slovenia.

Who was your September 1 MVP?

Tremont Waters (PUR)

Andres Feliz (DOM)

Simone Fontecchio (ITA)

Karl-Anthony Towns (DOM)

Mike Tobey (SLO)

FIBA

2023-09-02 00:11:15
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