San Antonio Spurs’ Manu Ginobili and Argentina move to 2-0 in the 2011 FIBA Americas pre-Olympic qualifier after defeating Uruguay 86 to 51. Argentina was led by Houston Rockets’ Luis Scola’s 18 points and four rebounds.
Ginobili finished with seven points, two rebounds, two assists and two steals in 16 minutes of action. Former Spur Fabricio Oberto did not play again in Argentina’s victory.
Argentina started ahead 25 to 7 as they ended the first quarter and the lead would only grow throughout the game for the Argentineans. At one point, Argentina led by 48 points and had a 15-0 run going for them. Their team defense was stellar in limiting Uruguay’s Esteban Batista to just two points and 10 rebounds.
Milwaukee Bucks’ Carlos Delfino chipped in with 11 points on 3-of-5 shooting from three point land and Juan Gutierrez had 16 points for Argentina. Philadelphia 76ers’ “El Chapu” Andres Nocioni had 16 points as well for Argentina.
Even without Ginobili needing a big game, Argentina was still able to easily secure a big lead and help Ginobili get some quality rest as the tournament carries on. In the fourth quarter, Ginobili and Scola never set foot on the court.
Argentina will resume play on Friday as they take on the Dallas Mavericks’ J.J. Barea and Puerto Rico in round one of the 2011 FIBA Americas.
(Photo: ElSiglo.com)