ARG - Argentina's got defence

MAR DEL PLATA (FIBA Americas Championship) - Argentina's got talent, that's unquestionable. But, as every other team in every sport, big teams have good and bad offensive nights.

What never fails for Argentina is their defence.

After five games, the FIBA Americas hosts average the lowest points against in the tournament with 60,2 per game.

Canada suffered Argentina's guards' full-court pressure, their ability to double-team the opponents and their defensive rebounding in Argentina's 79-53 Quarterfinal group win.

Argentina's defence limited the Canadian to their tournament-low 53 points, with a 28 per cent from the field. Canada were able to score only 16 points in the paint and nine fast-break points.

Emanuel Ginóbili was proud of his team's defence.

"We scout the opponents' strengths and we attack them. If they have any weaknesses, we force them to use them," said Manu, who scored 14 out of his 16 points in the first half. "Canada had two dangerous shooters such as (Carl) English and (Andrew) Rautins, so we put some pressure on them and let the others play close to the basket."

Carlos Delfino agreed with Ginóbili.

"Defence is what coach Julio Lamas asked us to work on from the very first day.

"If we are tough in defence, we can score easily on the other side. I mean, if we steal balls and rebound, we can fly the court, especially when Chapu (Andrés Nocioni) plays as a power forward."

Argentina remain unbeaten after five games. They will next face Venezuela, Brazil and Dominican Republic in consecutive nights.

FIBA