http://sportstwo.com/Story/View/BKF/ITALY/6421</p> </p><h2>Belinelli's efforts in vain for Italy</h2> Monday, August 20, 2007 03:51 PM ATHENS, Greece (Ticker) -- Marco Belinelli scored 20 points but it was to no avail as Italy lost, 84-81, to Slovenia in a EuroBasket warmup match in the Acropolis Tournament. </p> Belinelli, who was drafted 18th overall by the Golden State Warriors on June 28, looked in good form for Italy, converting 8-of-9 free throws. He added 2-of-5 from 3-point range. </p> Italy led 20-19 at the end of the first quarter but were trailing by a 41-36 deficit by halftime. </p> Slovenia dominated the third quarter and led 69-54 going into the final period. Although the Azzurri rallied, it was in vain. </p> Italy coach Carlo Recalcati was unimpressed with his team's effort. </p> "We started with complacency and we paid for it," he said to the www.fip.it website. "I am happy at our comeback and for our reaction. We were getting better at the end and that indicates we don't have physical problems but paid for how we approached the game. </p> "It was an ugly game, lacking in energy. If you play without energy you can not deal with negative situations and your errors." </p> Toronto Raptors forward Andrea Bargnani only contributed two points for Italy. Slovenia's key player was Matjaz Smodis, who scored 13 points. </p>
These games are pointless to evaluate singe players from.</p> </p> The warmup matches and friendlies are a joke.</p>
