FIBA Basketball World Cup: Scola-inspired Argentina to play Spain in final

Luis Scola, the grand old man of basketball, finished with 28 points, 13 rebounds and two assists.

Published : Sep 13, 2019 20:07 IST , Beijing

Luis Scola of Argentina goes for a shot over Nicholas Batum (left) and Vincent Poirier of France during the FIBA Basketball World Cup semifinal.
Luis Scola of Argentina goes for a shot over Nicholas Batum (left) and Vincent Poirier of France during the FIBA Basketball World Cup semifinal.
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Luis Scola of Argentina goes for a shot over Nicholas Batum (left) and Vincent Poirier of France during the FIBA Basketball World Cup semifinal.

Argentina is one win away from its first Basketball World Cup title since 1950 after it brushed aside France 80-66 on Friday to set up a final with Spain.

Earlier, NBA champion Marc Gasol saved Spain as it battled back to see off Australia 95-88 after a second overtime period to reach the decider on Sunday.

Cheered on by a group of fans decked out in their national colours, Argentina made a fast start in its semifinal against France, which had ousted the US in the previous round.

Argentina opened the game up with a 10-2 run that saw Luis Scola, the age-defying 39-year-old, dominate the court.

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The South Americans led 39-32 at half-time and were never in serious danger of surrendering their advantage.

Scola, the grand old man of basketball, finished with 28 points, 13 rebounds and two assists. He was given a huge ovation when he stepped off the court.

ALSO READ| FIBA Basketball World Cup: Spain beats Australia to reach final

With an average height of 6'8" (203 cm), France is one of the tallest teams at the World Cup. Their height advantage was a weapon against the US — the reigning two-time champion.

But it had little effect on Argentina.

France will play Australia for bronze on Sunday.

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