Argentina's Luis Scola backs down Canada's Kelly Olynyk during last Tuesday's FIBA Americas game. (Photo : Reuters)
After improving to a 2-0 record following their 94-87 statement win over tournament favorite Canada, Argentina will meet lowly Cuba on Thursday, September 3 to resume their 2015 FIBA Americas Championship stint in Mexico.
Sergio Hernandez's men will take a break during Wednesday's matches before plunging in anew and going for their third consecutive win in Group B competitions, which is almost sure against a short and under talented team like Cuba.
Argentina gave young team Canada a tough lesson by outpointing them on Tuesday while at the same time making a huge statement that they are the team to beat this year, as reported by Sportsnet.
Veteran Luis Scola showed Canada's NBA youngsters how it is done internationally as he exploded with 35 points, 13 rebounds, and two assists in leading his team past Jay Triano's boys.
Fellow NBA vet Andres Nocioni scored 15 points and pulled down five boards while backup point guard Nicolas Laprovittola contributed 20 points off the bench in a dazzling effort.
Cuba was manhandled by Venezuela, 73-52, and Puerto Rico, 91-61, in their first two games and it is expected that they would suffer the same fate against the Argentinian giants.
The lone bright spot for Daniel Scott was their 21-year-old power forward Jasiel Rivero who had 10 points and seven rebounds in their first game then followed it up with a 20-point, 6-rebound effort against the Puerto Ricans on Tuesday, via FIBA Live Stats.
Prediction: Argentina wins, 96-56
Argentina starting five: Marcos Delía (C), Luis Scola (PF), Andrés Nocioni (SF), Selem Safar (SG), Facundo Campazzo (PG)
Cuba starting five: Javier Justiz (C), Jasiel Rivero (PF), William Granda (SF), Yaser Rodriguez (SG), Osmel Oliva (PG)
