Maybe Argentina’s golden generation has one more run in them.
Forty-eight hours before, Mexico had beaten Argentina by a dozen points to round out group play at FIBA Americas. But Friday night, with a trip to the Rio Olympics on the line, it was Luis Scola and Argentina that made the plays in Mexico City. Argentina won 78-70 to lock up a trip to Brazil next summer. (Mexico, like Canada, can still qualify via a play-in tournament next summer.)
Scola had 18 points on 11 shots, plus pulled down 10 boards in the game. Andreas Nocioni added 10 points and 13 boards.
Mexico struggled to get any consistent offense going, in part because of Argentina’s defense but more just poor execution under pressure. Jorge Gutierrez led the way with 17 points, while Gustavo Ayon added 13 rebounds.
Argentina played this tournament without Manu Ginobili, but he may suit up for Rio next summer if healthy.