Scola-led Argentina book semi-final berth 9 September 2013 07:14
Argentina have snuck into the 2013 FIBA Americas Championship semi-finals, edging out rivals Canada with a 73-67 win. Power forward Luis Scola scored 28 points and claimed seven rebounds as Argentina came from five points down at the end of the first quarter to knock off Canada and leapfrog the North American nation into the last semi-finals berth in Caracas, Venezuela. Reigning champions Argentina started Sunday's action in fifth position; two points behind fourth-placed Canada, knowing only a win would keep them alive in the continental basketball tournament. Canada led 18-13 after the first stanza but Argentina outscored the Canadians in the subsequent three quarters to win by six points and claim a spot alongside Mexico, the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico in the final four. Scola led the way for the title-holders, while Selem Safar chipped in with 18 points off the bench, including four three-pointers, as Argentina blitzed Canada 29-20 in the third quarter and then grou...