By Eurohoops team/ info@eurohoops.net
Last year’s second place at Lithuania’s Eurobasket wasn’t a fluke. Even without their injured starting center Joakim Noah, France had the tools to beat Argentina. The final 71-64 doesn’t seem very impressive, but the game of Tony Parker was. The leader of the French national team has said on the record that he is out of shape, however he finished the game with 17 points, six assists and a very important steal in the final minutes.
Argentina, with the exception of its star, Manu Ginobili (26 p.), had a cold shooting night with just 4/23 three pointers in total. The lack of efficient outside shooting proved to be an insurmountable problem for the team of coach Julio Lamas
Just before this game, Brazil survived the passion and the grit of Great Britain. The hosts of the Games put their heart on the court, got the lead by one point (51-50) in the 33rd minute, but in the end the more experienced team prevailed (67-62), thanks to the duo of Marcelinio Huertas (13 p., 8 as.) and Tiago Splitter (21 p., 6 r.). So, yes it was a good day for the… San Antonio Spurs, where Splitter, Ginobili, Parker and his teammates in French national team Nando De Colo and Boris Diaw will play next season.
In the final game of the day, Team USA after a mediocre – according to its very high standards – first half was leading “just” by 13 points Tunisia (46-33). At the end of third quarter the score was 85-47, USA won 110-63 and order was restored.
After two days the standings in group A are the following: USA 2-0, Argentina 1-1, Lithuania 1-1, Nigeria 1-1, France 1-1, Tunisia 0-2. In group B: Russia 2-0. Spain 2-0, Brazil 2-0, Australia 0-2, G. Britain 0-2, China 0-2.