Don't cry for me Nocioni: Former Bull leads Argentina to Olympics victory

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Andres Nocioni went absolutely crazy in the most entertaining Rio 2016 Olympics basketball game yet. 

In a double overtime thriller, the former Chicago Bulls forward put up a game-high 37 points and 11 rebounds to lead Argentina to a 111-107 victory over Brazil. 

The 36-year-old wreacked havoc from beyond the arc, scoring 24 of his 37 from deep, and activated his clutch gene at just the right times. 

With three seconds left in the fourth quarter, Nocioni drilled a triple to tie the game up and force OT. He encored that with a three to pull Argentina within one in the first overtime.  

The Noch eventually fouled out in double OT, but a strong finish from Manu Ginobili and Facundo Campazzo sealed the victory for Argentina. With the thrilling win, Argentina improved to 3-1 in group play. 

Nocioni's performance brought back memories of dramatic shots he hit in Chicago.

In five seasons with the Bulls, the Argentinian averaged a solid 11.7 points per game and shot 50% from the field. But Nocioni never dropped 37 in Chicago. His NBA career-high was 31 in a Bulls win over the New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets on Dec. 1, 2006.

Saturday's dominant performance would have delighted United Center patrons, who often showered him with "No-see-o-nee" chants after he'd catch fire. 

As for the current Chicago Bulls player in the game, Cristiano Felicio played limited minutes and scored two points.

Brazil dropped to 1-3 in group play and will finish their Olympics tournament against Nigeria on Monday.

Saturday's thriller serves as fair warning for a potential USA-Argentina final: The Noch is back.

 

 

 

 

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