Argentina has destroyed Croatia with a performance of very high quality. It was brilliant, the best outing yet from the reigning gold medallists. And with this victory, Argentina has essentially qualified for the next stage.
Their defence was implacable and the attack was swift, with Nocioni top scoring with 18 points.
On Sunday, Argentina play Iran who, in theory, are the easiest side in the group.
“The match against Croatia is the most important. If we win, we are practically qualified for the next round,” Manu Ginobili said.
Ginobili knew his side had to rectify the errors in their opening loss to Lithuania.
But things did not start well.
Despite a two pointer for Houston Rockets man, Scola, Argentina offered little in the opening three minutes. But from then on, the reigning Olympic champions, who were led brilliantly by Nocioni, played to a level that overwhelmed their European counterparts.
Croatian stars Mark Thomas, Roko-Leni Ukic, and Davor Kus were made to fight hard for any scoring opportunities. In the end, Croatia finished with a low 16 from 42 double shots, and 3 from 15 in triples.
So, for now at least, Argentina remains the Olympic champions and the side to beat.
Love this article? Nominate it for The Roar’s Armchair Sports Writer Award. Or vote now for this week’s nominated articles.
Ridiculous yet again from the Mavericks star!
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 34 points as Oklahoma overcame a Dallas franchise playoff-record 13 blocks, rallying for a 100-96 victory to even their NBA Western…
As much as fans of the other franchises hate to admit it, there is magic in the NBA air when the New York Knicks…
Corey Williams is being remembered as a one-of-a-kind NBL figure after the former MVP and outspoken commentator lost his fight with cancer. A New…
Sadly, on Thursday the owners of WNBL club the Melbourne Boomers handed back their license which has been transferred to a Geelong-based consortium. The…
The Timberwolves as a franchise have never even made the Finals, but this season's roster has the size and the scoring to trouble the other remaining teams.
