FIBA: Spain downs Argentina 84-76 in exhibition game

FIBA – Spain and Argentina went head to head in an all-Latin game on Tuesday in a friendly exhibition game as both national teams slowly wrapped up their respective preparations for the upcoming FIBA World Cup.

Spain emerged victorious over Argentina 84-76. Credit goes to veteran point guard Ricky Rubio, who exploded in the fourth quarter for 17 of his career-high 25 points in the fourth quarter.

They were missing a resting Marc Gasol, who was sitting this one out. Willy Hernangomez stepped up with 14 points and nine rebounds.

On Argentina’s side of the floor, long-time national team member Luis Scola paced his squad with 24 points and nine boards. Teammates Gabriel Deck and Nicolas Laprovittola added 16 and 13 points, respectively.

Spain ended the first half up by 42-37, but Argentina came out swinging in the third quarter and managed to take control of the game thanks to a massive run.

Rubio came through for Spain with a timely run of his own. It was enough to power his team to the comeback win.

Spain should not be slept on in the FIBA World Cup. While eyes are trained on the USA, Serbia and Greece, Spain remains a strong contender for the gold. They have the experience and the talent to push any other team to its limits, making this one of the most competitive FIBA World Cups in recent memory.