Luis Scola (L) of Argentina reacts during the semifinal match between Argentina and France at the 2019 FIBA World Cup in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 13, 2019. (Xinhua/Zhang Chenlin)
The 39-year-old swept 28 points and 13 rebounds in Argentina's semifinal win over France, making him the best scorer at knock-out stages of the FIBA World Cup history.
BEIJING, Sept. 13 (Xinhua) -- Luis Scola scored 28 points as Argentina beat France 80-66 to set up a final against Spain in the 2019 FIBA World Cup here on Friday.
Scola had a game-high 28 points and 13 rebounds for Argentina, followed by 13 from Gabriel Deck. Facundo Campazzo contributed 12 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists. Frank Ntilikina and Evan Fournier had 16 points apiece to lead France. Nando de Colo grabbed 11.
Scola (L) shoots as Evan Fournier of France defends during the semifinal match between Argentina and France at the 2019 FIBA World Cup in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 13, 2019. (Xinhua/Meng Yongmin)
"They (Argentina) deserve it. We used to say that aggressiveness is a main key, and tonight there was no aggressiveness from us. We couldn't execute our plays." France head coach Vincent Collet said after the game.
"I think we won the tempo battle today. We made them play our game, and we played the best defense I've never seen from any team." Argentina head coach Sergio Hernandez said.
The 39-year-old veteran Scola scored 10 points as Argentina opened the game up with a 10-2 run before France answered a 5-0 sprint to cut the deficit to 3 on 18-21 in the first quarter.
Players of Argentina celebrate after the semifinal match between Argentina and France at the 2019 FIBA World Cup in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 13, 2019. (Xinhua/Meng Yongmin)
Facundo Campazzo made a three-pointer from the center with one second left as Argentina stormed to a 39-32 lead while holding Evan Fournier to 9 points on 4-of-13 shooting at the break.
Argentina expanded the lead to double digits at 12 points on 60-48 to enter the last quarter and had a pair of three-pointers to deny France any kind of comeback. ■
