Argentina vs. Brazil, FIBA Americas: Complete Preview, Start Time and Schedule
Argentina and Brazil are scheduled to battle in the second round of the FIBA Americas tournament. This game will be all about seeding as the two have already secured semifinal births. Argentina is a perfect 6-0 while Brazil is 5-1 with their blemish coming in a loss to the Dominican Republic.
These two teams are extremely evenly matched. They have split their last four games. Brazil won the last game between these two 76-67 in the 2010 FIBA Americas tournament.
The top two teams from this tournament earn births in the 2012 London Games. The third to fifth place teams will enter the Olympics qualifying tournament.
Where: Mar del Plata, Argentina
When: Wednesday, September 7th at 5 PM Eastern Time
Player to Watch for Argentina: Manu Ginobli
Ginobli can score from anywhere on the floor. When he is hot, he is unguardable. And Manu has been hot for most of this tournament. When Ginobli has his outside shot going, he draws defenders in, and can blow by them and wreak havoc with his dribble penetration.
Player to Watch for Brazil: Tiago Splitter
Splitter is a strong low post presence for Brazil. He is not the centerpiece of their offense, but he is the key to their success. He is strong offensively and defensively. His defense will be key to limiting the dribble penetration of Argentina.
Splitter is also a force on the boards, and gets many of his points on put-backs.
Key Matchup: Louis Scola vs. Tiago Splitter
Scola and Splitter are two of the best rebounders in the tournament. These two will be battling underneath all night. And their defense will likely negate each other's offense.
Both are used routinely to help stop penetration. They must make the other pay when they leave for help defense.
What They're Saying: These two teams know each other well and have established a heated rivalry.
This comes to us via Fiba.com:
"Players and coaches know perfectly well their opponents as they have played in many occasions and have even shared clubs.
Luis Scola said Argentina will have to very aware of Splitter's low post game.
"He's one of the best of the tournament and Brazil's best, according to my opinion."
Tiago Splitter, by the way, emphasised Argentina's team work.
"They have very few weaknesses. Watching them play is like watching an Opera. It's good the way they pass the ball, opening spaces to score twos and threes."
Andrés Nocioni defines Brazil as their "biggest historical rivals."
"It doesn't matter how we get to the game, it's always a close one. This time they have young players but they are still dangerous."
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Score Prediction:
Argentina - 82
Brazil - 76
