Before bracket play begins later this week, the 2016 U20 FIBA European Championship will complete the group play portion of the tournament on Tuesday.
Federico Mussini and Italy (1-1) are coming off a 89-64 beat down of Belgium on Sunday. Mussini has scored 29 points in two games, showing confidence in his jump shot and an ability to move the ball within the framework of Italy's offense.
Yankuba Sima and Spain (1-1) have competed in the two best games of the tournament thus far, as they defeated France on a buzzer beating three by Marc Garcia, and lost in overtime against host Finland on a Lauri Markkanen put-back. Sima has had an up-and-down first two games. He's looked patient in the post and has defended the rim well, but the big man has struggled on the glass and looks hesitant going to his left hand.
Italy and Spain could use victories today for seeding (all 16 teams in the tournament make bracket play) and momentum purposes.
Italy versus Sweden (11:30 a.m. ET)
Sweden is also 1-1 so far in the tournament, beating Belgium by seven and losing to Czech Republic by six. This game will decide who will finish in second place in Group D.
Spain versus Israel (1:45 p.m. ET)
Israel is an impressive 2-0 in Group B. They cruised past France, 86-66, and also knocked off Finland by nine points. Tamir Blatt, former Cleveland Cavaliers head coach David Blatt's son, has been the star of the team due to his knock down shooting ability. He scored 25 points in the win over Finland and put up another 11 points on 4-of-10 shooting versus France.
This will be a strong test for Sima and company before bracket play begins.
Get ready for a full day of hoops!