NINGBO, Aug. 27 (Xinhua) -- Spain turned the tables on Argentina in the final quarter on Tuesday for an 84-76 win in a pre-World Cup exhibition basketball game played in Ningbo, Zhejiang Province.
Ricky Rubio of the Phoenix Suns and the Hernangomez brothers all appeared on the game rosters, and the NBA players threw Ningbo basketball fans into a frenzy on Tuesday. 2019 NBA champion winner Marc Gasol was absent due to a sudden stomach issue before the match.
Nicolas Laprovittola pocketed six points at the beginning of the game, helping team Argentina score a 8-3 run. Spain responded with two three-pointers, creating chances for the inside. Victor Claver's dunk outscored for Spain before the first break among the quarters, allowing his team to end the first quarter 25-23 ahead.
Although Gabriel Deck of Argentina kept chasing points in the second quarter, Spain got six three-pointers in the first half, putting them ahead of the South American powerhouse 42-37.
Spain was thrown into a tough game in the third period, seeing its old rival turn the tables and rebuild the lead to 58-57 going into the fourth.
Rubio dominated the match by grabbing 17 points in the final quarter, leading the 2019 FIBA basketball World Cup title contenders to edge Argentina 84-76. The bronze medalists at the Rio Olympics set up a clash against Russia on Wednesday.
Rubio led the winning side with 25 points for Spain, while Willy Hernangomez finished with 14 points and nine rebounds. Luis Scola of Argentina pocketed 24 points and nine rebounds.
