With 5.9 seconds left in the Saitama game – a preparation tournament leading up to the World Cup in China, which will start on Saturday 31 August – between the home Japan team and Tunisia the score was tied at 76. The Asians the previous day had beaten Germany, which in turn had already beaten Tunisia, but with 5.9 seconds left, the score was tied and Tunisia had ball possession at the offensive end of the floor. The ball found immediately the hands of the Tunisian best shooter, Michael Roll, one of Olimpia’s new signings. Roll, in the corner, played tried to attack the paint one-on-one, off the dribble, but the defense was ready and he had to stop. Right there, he used his pivot foot to create just enough space to shoot – and make – the short jumper that clinched the surprising Tunisia’s win, 78-76. Roll scored 19 points in 33 minutes of playing time,  he went 3-for-7 from three and 5-for-10 from two. He also grabbed three rebounds and dished  five assists. Tunisia will debut in the World Cup on Saturday 31st against Spain in Guangzhou. Its Group C included Puerto Rico and Iran. The Italian team – with Jeff Brooks, Amedeo Della Valle and Paul Biligha – will close its preparation playing against New Zealand on Monday.