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Gonzaga Basketball

GU’s Rui Hachimura scores 22 points but Japan falls to Italy at U19 World Cup

In this Nov. 18, 2016 file photo, Gonzaga forward Rui Hachimura (21) shoots a free throw during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Bryant in Spokane. (Young Kwak / Associated Press)

Gonzaga rising sophomore Rui Hachimura finished with 22 points and 14 rebounds but it wasn’t enough as Japan lost to Italy 57-55 Wednesday in the Round of 16 at the FIBA U19 World Cup in Cairo.

Hachimura made a pair of clutch 3-pointers in the final 10 seconds, the latter tying the score at 55 with 2.4 seconds left. Italy pulled out the win with a baseline jumper on an inbounds play.

Hachimura, who was the tournament’s leading scorer in the group phase, made 7 of 18 shots, including 2 of 5 3-pointers, and hit all six of his free throws. He blocked three shots.

Hachimura has averaged 19.5 points and 11.8 rebounds in four games.

Japan led 29-21 at half but the Italians rallied with a 19-9 edge in the third quarter. Japan faces Korea on Friday while Italy takes on Lithuania in the quarterfinals.

FIBA via YouTube