After an easy win over Paraguay in the FIBA Americas opener, San Antonio Spurs’ Manu Ginobili said that it was important to win by a big margin in order to have their key players rested for the rest of the tournament.
Manu Ginobili played sparingly in Argentina's blowout win over Uruguay. (Photo via Spurs Nation)
His teammates heard him loud and clear, as Team Argentina coasted to another blowout victory, beating Uruguay 86-51 on the second day of the FIBA Americas tournament.
The Argentine national squad wasted no time in this one, building a 25-7 after the first quarter, and then stretched their lead over Uruguay to 53-19 at the half.
Uruguay were simply overmatched in all facets of the game losing the third quarter 21-11 and faced an insurmountable 74-30 deficit going into the final period.
With most of Argentina’s key players resting, Uruguay was able to win the fourth quarter 21-12 but eventually lost the game.
Houston Rockets’ Luis Scola led the Argentine nationals with 18 points and four rebounds, Philadelphia Sixers’ Andres Nocioni had 16 points and 10 boards, and Carlos Delfino added 11.
Ginobili had seven points, two rebounds, two assists and two steals in just 16 minutes of action, while former Spur Fabricio Oberto missed his second straight game for Argentina.
Bruno Fitipaldo led Uruguay with 11 points.
Ginobili and Team Argentina will resume play on Friday as they take on Dallas Mavericks’ Juan Jose Barea and Puerto Rico at 20:30 (GMT -3) in Mar del Plata.
Argentina are scaring the other teams they will meet in the FIBA Americas for sure.
Argentina is a class of their own right now. I don’t see any team beating them in the tournament.
Manu and Team Argentina is the team to beat in the FIBA Americas! Go Manu! Go Argentina! Go Spurs Go!
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Check FIBA Americas Championship 2011 Details and also check who are the squads here Fiba Americas Championship Standings