ARG - Manu leads Argentina fightback against Venezuela
MAR DEL PLATA (FIBA World Championship) – Argentina marked their preparations for next month’s FIBA World Championship with a 96-82 victory. The Olympic gold medalists, playing in their homeland for the first time since they achievement at the 2004 Athens Games
WIN a trip to the FIBA World Championship Finalsweekend
MAR DEL PLATA (FIBA World Championship) – Argentina marked their preparations for next month’s FIBA World Championship with a 96-82 victory over Venezuela in Mar del Plata.
It was the first time in two years the 2004 Olympic champions had played a game in Argentina and they were made to battle for the win, coming back from 44-37 down at half-time.
Superstar Manu Ginobili was in impressive form for Sergio Hernandez’ team, pouring in 20 points.
And Ginobili’s San Antonio Spurs team-mate Fabricio Oberto believes the result showed promise ahead of the trip to Japan.
"We played very well," he said. "We improved a lot in the second half. In the first period we wanted to do everything, but we could not do anything.
"But we must be patient. It was the first step. We know how to train before a great tournament. The most important thing is to arrive in Japan in good form."
Argentina will continue their build-up to the FIBA World Championship by playing in a Super Four tournament, along with the Venezuelans, Brazil and New Zealand.
Once in Japan, they will be in Group A with two-time defending champions Serbia & Montenegro - the team that beat them in overtime in the 2002 final in Indianapolis.
France, Lebanon, Nigeria and Venezuela will also be in the pool.
PA Sport
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