Argentina’s journey to the 2011 FIBA Americas Title (Part 2)
Argentina 90 – Panama 71
Argentina over threw Panama 90-71 in their last group game on September 3 to remain undefeated in the first-round of tournament.
Luis Scola powered Argentina with his game winning double-double that includes 19 points and 14 rebounds. Team-mate Manu Ginobili supported Scola well, tallied 14 points, clutched three rebounds and provided most assists from Argentina,
eight.
Jose Jaime Lloreda was top scorer from Panama with a game-high 20. While his fellow, Ruben Garces clutched most rebounds than any other player, 17.
Both teams were on their toes right from the tip of the game. Both exchanged baskets and enjoyed lead, but didn’t let each other to stretch their total. Finally, Argentina seized the quarter in its favour by 21-20.
That made Panama more aggressive and after another closely contested quarter, they led Argentina by 39-38 at the close of the first half. Argentineans came up with a new offensive plan after the break. That enabled Argentina to
outscore Panama by 26-12 run.
With a 13-point lead, Argentina began the fourth quarter and kept team Panama under check throughout the period to register their fourth consecutive win.
Argentina finished at the top position in their group, with the end of the first-round and proceeded in the next round of the tournament.
Argentina 79 – Canada 53
Previous game hero Luis Scola once again led Argentina to over throw Canada in a 79-53 win on September 5.
Scola punched 22 points and grasped six rebounds, during his 27 minutes stay on the court.
Even Kelly Tyler Corness Olynyk’s double-double couldn’t save Canada from an embarrassing defeat. Olynyk scored 19 points and grabbed 12 rebounds in his double-double contribution.
Argentina as usual tipped off aggressively and outperformed the Canadians in the first quarter with their 21-9 burst. Canada tweaked their defence in the second quarter and limited the Argentineans successfully, but their offense
let them down again. By the end of the first half, Argentina guided Canada by 37-22.
After the break Canadians played well from the both ends of the court and first time scored more points than Argentina during a quarter in the game. However, Argentina’s first half lead proved too high for the Canadians.
Argentina led Canada by 54-43 into the final quarter, where they outperformed them once again with a 25-10 run and took the game away from them.
Argentina 111 – Venezuela 93
Manu Ginobili spearheaded Argentina in their second game of the second-round to defeat Venezuela by 111-93 on September 6.
Ginobili hit game-high 26 points together with three assists and two boards. Pablo Prigioni added 20 points and dished out most assists for Argentina, six.
For Venezuela, Hector Romero remained the major contributor with 21 points and four rebounds.
Argentina nailed Venezuela in the first quarter straight away with a 30-20 run. However, Venezuela put up a better effort in the second period, but failed to snatch the lead from Argentina that remained ahead of them by 51-43 advantage
at the end of the first half.
Both teams exchanged baskets in the third and the battle remained intense. However, Argentina never allowed Venezuela to take up the lead, thanks to Ginobili brilliant play.
Argentina pushed the paddle when it really mattered and left Venezuela behind with their 32-21 charge in the fourth quarter to register another victory.
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