2016 Rio Olympics: Argentina triumphs in warm up

One game caught the eye as international teams continued to prepare for the 2016 Rio Olympics. Argentina overcame France in an exciting game in Cordoba. Avoiding injury is the name of the game in these pre 2016 Rio Olympics warm ups, but nevertheless both France and Argentina put together a solid show. Both these nations will be in the “other” category outside the USA who have an outside shot at gold and certainly the medals.

Argentina claimed the win, but it also had home court advantage. In Rio, these two teams will be evenly matched and an Olympics encounter could easily go the other way.

Argentina vs. France, 86-79

Argentina welcomed France to Cordoba and dispatched of their European rivals in a solid warm up contest. These teams cannot meet again until the knock out stage of the Olympics as they are pitted in separate groups. However, there was enough here to suggest and Rio encounter would be memorable as there is little to separate the side. Argentina did was it does so well, got gritty at the posts and stopped France’s star men from gripping them game. Still Euroleague MVP Nando De Colo helped himself to 20 points as France stayed in the contest throughout.

Argentina was 21-14 ahead after a consistent first quarter at the bucket, stopping France from working the channels for an early advantage. The second frame was more even as the teams traded baskets. That allowed the hosts to maintain their seven point lead into the long break, Argentina up 46-39. Les Bleus clicked in the third act and worked into the deficit, landing within three points at the last split. Argentina pulled a trick in the form of 23 points in the fourth quarter to settle the game and end the French rally.

Carlos Delfino led Argentina with 15 points and 6 rebounds. Manu Ginobili, heading into his final Olympics, also scored 15 points in the win.