Argentina outlasts Croatia to take early control of Group B
The surprising struggles of Spain have created an opening at the top of Group B early in this Olympic men’s basketball tournament. After Tuesday’s final game, it appears that Manu Ginobili, Luis Scola, and Argentina have seized that opportunity.
The veteran Argentines turned a tight game with Croatia into a potential blowout with a 23-5 run over the end of the second quarter and start of the third to lead 64-45 with just 14 minutes left in regulation. Displaying much of the moxie that allowed them to top Spain in thrilling fashion on Sunday, Croatia made a number of long-range shots late to draw within 85-81 inside the final minute, but two crushing technical fouls allowed Argentina to pull away for a 90-82 win. At 2-0, they are now tied with Lithuania for first place in Group B and hold the inside track to finishing at the top based on their remaining schedule.
Croatia can blame much of their misfortune on their propensity to get called for technical fouls. They were whistled for five altogether, with three coming during the most dominant portion of Argentina’s huge third-quarter run. FIBA referees have never impressed anyone with their consistency, and it’s fair to wonder if it’s necessary to call two technicals on one team in the final minute of the biggest international tournament in the world. On the other hand, it’s fair to wonder why Croatia hadn’t adjusted its approach by that point of the game. By the time Luka Babic was called for a tech with 31 seconds left and head coach Aleksandar Petrovic got his second (and an ejection) for arguing it, they had only themselves to blame.
At the same time, those fouls helped Argentina avoid what would have been a devastating collapse. Up 19 heading into the fourth quarter and nine with 1:30 remaining, they looked all but assured of a well-earned win. Luis Scola was clearly the team’s top offensive weapon with a game-high 23 points and nine rebounds in 36 minutes, but the story for Argentina was their superior balance. Four more players joined Scola in double figures, and more appeared to pose a threat on every possession.
Croatia’s late comeback depended on hot shooting and a number of mistakes from Argentina, but their overall performance added to the growing sense that they are a serious medal contender. On Tuesday, that positivity started with the play of their up-and-coming contributors. Dario Saric followed up his game-winning block vs. Spain with a superior all-around performance, finishing with a team-high 19 points (7-of-16 FG), 10 rebounds, and seven assists. Saric has trouble shooting jumpers (0-of-4 3FG) and free throws and needs to improve his defense, but few forwards have this many skills at such a young age. He has established himself as one of the must-watch players at the Olympics. Add in the play of guard Mario Hezonja (16 points on 4-of-6 3FG), and the Croatians seem in good shape moving into the future.
For now, though, Argentina seems in great shape to win Group B and avoid facing the heavily favored United States until the gold-medal game. Argentina and Lithuania are both 2-0 at the top of the group, but the former has the greater reputation and the clearer path to an undefeated performance. Remaining games against Lithuania, hosts Brazil, and what will hopefully be a motivated Spain should prove difficult, but Tuesday proved that Argentina has strong fan support in Rio and the depth to triumph.
If they falter, Croatia should still be in solid position to finish first. They have now played what appear to be the two most talented teams in the group, so remaining contests against Brazil, cellar-dwelling Nigeria, and Lithuania could feel a little easier than they otherwise might. Even if they don’t, though, another loss wouldn’t necessarily be bad for Croatia. Another loss could help them to end in third place, which would put them on the same side of the bracket as the group winner and away from the Americans.
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Eric Freeman is a writer for Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at efreeman_ysports@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter!
