Gregory Vargas (C) of Venezuela goes for a basket during the group I match between Argentina and Venezuela at the 2019 FIBA World Cup in Foshan, south China's Guangdong Province, Sept. 6, 2019. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi)
FOSHAN, China, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- Argentina sailed past Venezuela 87-67 to progress from Group I to last eight of the FIBA World Cup along with Poland here on Friday.
As group winners in the first round, Argentina and Poland have registered their perfect record after four matches. Venezuela and Russia, both at 2-2, failed in their attempts to march forward.
"We know it will be a really hard game because we know each other so much. They are really competitive and aggressive. We are excited to make into top eight," said Argentina's head coach Sergio Hernandez.
Argentina built its superior position early in the first quarter thanks to a balanced attacking game. With a 19-point advantage in hand two minutes from time, Argentina put the expected win in its pocket.
Argentina's Gabriel Deck made a game-leading 25 points. Veteran Luis Scola helped with 15 points and six rebounds. Facundo Campazzo contributed 12 points and nine assists.
"Venezuela is a good team. They fight hard. They played well against the home team China. They have great anticipation, so we expect them to be tough," Scola pointed out.
The 39-year-old scored six of Argentina's eight points since the tip-off, before Venezuela came back into contention with three-point shooting and offensive rebounds, in quite a familiar manner as they did in the first round.
Campazzo's buzzer beater from outside earned Argentina a 17-12 lead after the first quarter.
Deck scored nine points in the second quarter to power Argentina to a 38-25 lead at halftime.
Argentina went on to lead by 18 points, but Venezuela displayed fortitude as Michael Carrera scored 12 straight points to keep his team's hopes alive, before Argentina soon ran away with the game.
"We need at least 20 more games like this to grow as a national team. Tonight we could not execute our defensive plan as Argentina played in their style," said Venezuela's head coach Fernando Duro.
Four players scored in the double-digits for Venezuela. Carrera made 7 of 10 field goals to finish with 19 points.
Earlier in the day, Poland erased an 11-point deficit in the first half to defeat Russia 79-74.
Argentina and Poland will contend for group winner on Sunday, while Venezuela is set to take on Russia.
