ARG/BRA - Fans thrill Magnano with recognition

MAR DEL PLATA (FIBA Americas Championship) - Argentina-born Rubén Magnano has assumed as Brazil coach in 2010. Six years before, he had led Argentina's side to the biggest achievement of their whole Basketball history.

Magnano was coach when Argentina won Gold at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games.

The first time Brazil shared the night shift with the host team in the 2011 FIBA Americas Championship, Argentina fans gave the coach a thrilling welcome.

As soon as the presenter mentioned Rubén Magnano's name, the full stadium stood up and held a two-minute applause that only ended when they cheered "Olé olé olé olé, Rubén, Rubén."

"I wasn't expecting that," said Magnano after Brazil's 79-74 lost to Dominican Republic. "It was really moving because people's affection is the only thing that stays forever."

"Victories are ephemeral," added Magnano.

Following Brazil's first defeat of the tournament, Argentina ratified his condition of biggest title-contender as they beat Puerto Rico 81-74 to stay unbeaten.

The 8500 Fans were incredibly supportive and made the Islas Malvinas stadium look like a football stadium.

Andrés Nocioni was the responsible to make the crowd react after grabbing two big rebounds over Daniel Santiago, who is 2,18 metres tall.

"People helped us during the third quarter, especially when we scored some three-pointer and Manu (Ginóbili) and Carlitos (Delfino) did some spectacular plays," said Nocioni, who ended the game with nine points and seven rebounds.

Carlos Delfino, who had 14 points, four rebounds and three steals, added he really appreciated the fans' cheering.

Manu Ginóbili topped Argentina's scoring with 23 points, Luis Scola added 14 and Pablo Prigioni contributed seven points and eight assists.

"With our plays we made the fans get warmer and they helped us to play better," explained Prigioni.

Carlos Arroyo had a game-high 24 points but suffered seven turnovers. Daniel Santiago was the second best in scoring of the team with 13 and also had eight rebounds.

"Playing away is only a problem if the referees give every call against you," said Santiago. "I like playing away. If you're a basketball player, you have to be competitive and take profit from the opportunities you've got to play in different countries because if you win that would say many things about your team."

FIBA