Luis Scola (C) of Argentina celebrates during the Group B match against Russia at the 2019 FIBA World Cup in Wuhan, capital of central China's Hubei Province, on Sept. 4, 2019. (Xinhua/Xiao Yijiu)
Argentina beats Russia to clinch the top spot in Group B while both teams advance into the round of 16 at FIBA World Cup.
WUHAN, Sept. 4 (Xinhua) -- Argentina, featuring a core of experienced players led by Luis Scola and Facundo Campazzo, defeated Russia 69-61 to top Group B of the ongoing FIBA basketball World Cup on Wednesday.
Campazzo scored 23 points with seven assists, while both Scola and Marcos Delia made 13 points each.
Both teams had entered the last 16 round before their clash.
Andrey Zubkov (R) of Russia defends Nicolas Laprovittola of Argentina during the Group B match against Argentina at the 2019 FIBA World Cup in Wuhan, capital of central China's Hubei Province, on Sept. 4, 2019. (Xinhua/Xiao Yijiu)
After Argentina made a 6-0 spurt, Russia responded with a 13-1 scoring run to lead 17-12 in the first period.
Scola helped Argentina to tie it at 17-all with a three-pointer and led 39-33 into the second half after Russia made eight turnovers in the second period.
Scola's accurate pass, alongside with Campazzo's speed created the space for their teammates and Argentine built the lead to 53-40 going into the fourth.
After Russia trimmed the deficits to two following a 11-0 to start the final period, Campazzo stood up with his fast breaks and layups to help Argentina regain the tempo.
With 2:36 remaining, Patricio Garion made two free throws, Campazzo played a layup, putting the game beyond the reach of the Russian players.
