<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post"> LAS VEGAS (2007 FIBA Americas Championship) - In one of the most highly anticipated contests of the preliminary round at the FIBA Americas Championship 2007, Argentina remained perfect (2-0) by knocking off Puerto Rico 87-75. Luis Scola was impressive once again, tallying 22 points and 11 rebounds for the Argentines, who also got 15 points from Carlos Delfino. Elias Ayuso led Puerto Rico with 21 points while Carlos Arroyo chipped in with 20. The contest was closer than the final margin of victory would indicate, as Puerto Rico actually led by as many as 14 points in the first half. Cold shooting from the field after the first period, however, would prove to be their downfall. After connecting on 9-of-18 field goals in the opening period, Puerto Rico went just 17-of-56 (30 percent) the rest of the way. With the loss, Puerto Rico falls to 1-2 in tournament play.</div> 2007 Las Vegas FIBA Americas Boxscore
Did anyone catch this game? I saw most of the second half, but Scola did most of his damage in the first half, I believe. I think they'll replay this on NBA TV later today/tonight.
Nice, after seeing him play I think he can definitely be a starter for Houston once he gets used to the NBA.
Scola was solid again last night against Mexico. He did most of his damage again in the 1st half, and rested for most of the second half because Argentina had a 20 point lead. One thing you'll notice about Scola is he never takes a bad shot. He knows how to find soft spots in a zone and if the defense collapses on him, he doesn't hesitate to pass out of it and set up again. Scola also went coast to coast on two plays and did a nasty crossover to split two defenders en route to a scoop layup. Even though Argentina is playing without 6 of their best players, they are great to watch. Every player is fundamentally sound and they really understand the concept of team basketball. They allowed everyone to touch the ball on offense during halfcourt sets. They made at least 6 passes before they settled for an open shot. Scola was used early on to get the Mexico defense sagging in the zone. The inside-outside attack led to a 3 point barrage by Argentina led by Delfino, Quintero, Prigioni, and Gutierrez. Scola finished with 11/8/5 last night in just 21 minutes.
Thanks for the recap shape, Scola is sounding real intriguing. Given his success on the international stage and with every good game he has against top competition, it seems more and more likely that he will not be a bust in the NBA. Good news for the Rockets.
