Luis Scola (C) of Argentina reacts during the group B match between Russia and Argentina at the 2019 FIBA World Cup in Wuhan, capital of central China's Hubei Province, Sept. 4, 2019. (Xinhua/Xiao Yijiu)
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.
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.
"Congratulations to Argentina. Their experienced basketballers played the game they wanted to play and we had a bad second quarter," said Russian head coach Sergey Bazarevich in the post-game press conference.
"Russia team is different from the rest teams which we had played against. They set a great test for us," Argentine coach Sergio Henandez said.
In the round of 16, Argentina will play old rival Venezuela.
"Before the game (against Russia) I thought we would play with the China team (in round of 16)," Henandez said. "Tomorrow we will talk about Venezuela, we know them so as they know us."
