Italy beat Germany

Following consecutive losses to Serbia and Turkey, Chris Fleming's Germany team knew that a win against Italy on Wednesday night was needed to stand any chance of qualification into the knockout rounds.

Italy's two wins and one loss record - including an impressive win over giants Spain on Tuesday - could have had them as favorites going into the match. But Dirk Nowitzki and his team was keen to set its record straight.

Germany started the stronger and took a 17-9 lead, which was cut to just five points by the end of the quarter, with the tournament hosts lead 22-17. The second quarter was incredibly tight, and Germany dominated throughout the 10 minutes, only to give up the lead it had held for the entire period in the final seconds of the first-half. The score was 42-41 in favor of the Italians.

The German response was rapid and fluid, re-taking the lead early in the third quarter and maintaining it through to the end. Dennis Schröder was dominating the floor and eventually finished with a game-high 29 points. He was one of only three Germans to score in double-points.

The final quarter was a thrilling period to watch, with a single point separating the sides for the majority of the time. Germany held a three point lead with under 30 seconds to play, after another superb lay up from Schröder. But the Italians wouldn't give up and with five seconds on the clock, Danilo Gallinari (25 points, 10 rebounds in the match) tied the game up at 76. Schröder had the chance to win the game with a lay up, but couldn't take it and the game went to overtime.

The extra period was also tight until the final seconds. Holding a two point lead, Marco Bellineli sank a three to extend the Italian lead to five points. Free-throws followed and Italy ran out eventual winners 89-82. Germany will face Spain on Thursday needing a win to give any chance of qualification into the knockout rounds.