ARG/CAN - Argentina finishes with a Bronze medal

SAN JUAN (2009 FIBA Americas Championship) - Argentina finished the 2009 FIBA Americas Championship with a Bronze medal after dominating Canada 88-73 in the first game of the final stage played at Coliseo Roberto Clemente.

Luis Scola led his team once again with 27 points and Pablo Prigioni scored 17 with 8 assists. Paolo Quinteros helped with 13 points and Juan Cantero came from the bench to make 11.

Argentina jumped to a quick 10-2 lead after a three pointer by Federico Kammerichs with 7:18 left to play. Then they made a 12-0 rally to break away 22-6 after two three pointers by guard Paolo Quinteros. The Argentineans ended the first quarter up 31-8 led by Quinteros who netted 13 and Scola followed with 11. Joel Anthony led Canada with 4 points.

At halftime the score was 49-18 as Argentina continued their efficient offensive attack by shooting 19-38 from the field for 50%. Canada shot 8-28 for 29% and their leader was forward Levon Kendall with 6 points.

In the second half Argentina kept their double digit lead and Canada kept playing hard to try and find an offensive rhythm, but it was too much after missing their main shooter Carl English. The third quarter ended 68-46 as Scola had 16 points, Pablo Prigioni 14 and Paolo Quinteros 13.

Jermaine Anderson finished with 19 points and 11 assists for Canada; Levon Kendall scored 12 points, Aaron Doornekamp 11 and Kyle Landry 10.

Argentina, Brazil, Canada and Puerto Rico qualified for the 2010 FIBA World Championship.

Luis Modestti
FIBA Americas

ll Watch highlights of the game at FIBATV.com now - click here