By Eurohoops Team/ info@eurohoops.net
Spain was waiting for its opponent in the 2019 FIBA World Cup final on Sunday at Beijing and Argentina completed the pairing in the gold medal match by defeating France, 80-66, on Friday at China’s capital.
Manu Ginobili was in attendance for both semifinals, but thoroughly enjoyed his country triumph in the second contest. Former teammate Luis Scola put in the work on the court with a 13-10 double-double at halftime and 28 points coupled with 13 boards in the end of the match.
Facundo Campazzo added 12 points including a three-point buzzer-beater to finish the second quarter up 7, also tallied 7 rebounds and 6 dimes. Gabriel Deck marked his effort with 13 points and Luca Vildoza notched 10.
Argentina was victorious in the previous three World Cup encounters with the French, securing a couple of wins in 1950 and the other “W” in 2006 at Japan. Advancing to the final improved its undefeated run to four games.
This time around, the South American national team only dropped the lead in the first minutes and early in the second period, before firmly controlling procedures in the second half. The 13-2 advantage in fast break points was crucial, but holding Rudy Gobert without a made field goal in the first three quarters and 3 points overall was the difference-maker.
Up next is the final against the Spaniards for Sergio Hernandez’s side. The Argentinians last played in the final in 2002 and settled for the silver medals, but won gold in the 1950 inaugural World Cup.
For the losing side, Frank Ntilikina and Evan Fournier shared a team-high 16 points. Nando De Colo ended up with 11 to his name. Vincent Poirier exited with a face injury only 5 minutes after entering the contest.
Vincent Collet’s national team will collide with Australia for the bronze medals on Sunday. Les Bleus captured third place for the first time in 2014 at Spain.
Photo Credit: FIBA.BASKETBALL