POSTED BY: Eurobasket News
Luis Scola
Argentina - Canada 83-74
Argentina opened their 2013 Marchand Cup campaign with victory. They held off Canada as Luis Scola (206-F/C-80) nailed 25 points and grabbed 9 rebounds. Canada suffered the second straight defeat at the tournament. Argentina set the tone in the opening quarter. They built a 21:13 lead after ten minutes. But Canada denied the deficit in the second term. The North American team ignited a 20:8 run to ensure a 29:33 halftime lead. But Argentina quickly regained composure. They unloaded 31 points in the third term and spurred ahead for a 6-point lead at the final break. Argentina nailed 23 points in the fourth period and sealed the winning outcome. Selem Safar (190-SG-87) posted 17 points, while Facundo Campazzo added 11 points and 8 assists in the win. Andrew Nicholson (205-PF-89, agency: Priority Sports, college: St.Bonaventure) answered with 17 points for Canada. Tristan Thompson had 16 points in the defeat.
Dominican Republic - Puerto Rico 78-84
Puerto Rico recorded the second consecutive victory at the 2013 Marchand Cup. The hosts shot down Dominican Republic in San Juan. Carlos Arroyo (188-PG-79, agency: Interperformances, college: FIU) stepped up with 17 points to lead the winners. Puerto Rico snatched a 19:17 lead after the opening quarter. They stayed in charge throughout the second frame. The hosts arrived at the interval up by 7 points 43:36. Dominican Republic narrowed the deficit in the third term. They got within 4 points at the final break. But Puerto Rico unleashed 25 points in the fourth quarter and sealed the winning outcome. John Holland (195-G/F-88, college: Boston U.) posted 16 points, while Jose Juan Barea and Larry Ayuso added 10 points each for the winners. James Feldeine (193-G-88, college: Quinnipiac) responded with 18 points for Dominican Republic. Francisco Garcia had 15 points in the loss.
