MANILA (UPDATED) -- Italy secured a ticket to the quarterfinals by dropping Puerto Rico, 73-57, in the second round of the FIBA World Cup at the Araneta Coliseum on Sunday.

Giampaolo Ricci and Stefano Tonut teamed up as they led a balanced effort for Azzuri's best outing in the tournament since 1998.

Italy used an early 15-0 run to surprise the Puerto Ricans with an 11-point lead. Puerto Rico stayed within striking distance before claiming a 43-41 upper hand.

But the Italians adjusted and used a 16-4 blitz to reclaim the lead. They never looked back since.

Ricci came off the bench to score 15 points, highlighted by two big treys during Azzurri's final hurrah.

Stefano Tonut added 15 points for Azzuri. Simore Fontecchio had 12 markers to go with his 12 rebounds. Nicolo Melli also grabbed 12 boards on top of his seven points.

It is the first time for the Italians to reach the quarterfinal round since 1998.

"We are happy. We knew that this game was crucial for us," said Ricci, who also picked up three rebounds and a block.

"We dreamt about being in the top eight of the World Cup, and we realized that."

Ricci added that defense was crucial to beating a talented Magnificos lineup, who have the likes of Tremont Waters and Jordan Howard.

"It's a team win because we won the game on defense again. They only scored 57 points. That is a great point of emphasis of this game. We are happy and we keep dreaming," he said.

Waters, meanwhile, fired 13 points for Puerto Rico, which also got 11 from Howard.

"Italy is a great team. We knew that coming in," said Howard.

"They pulled away in the second half, mainly because of the rebounds and second chance points. We knew that was a spot where we were struggling. They really took advantage of that."

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