Olympics men's basketball results: Argentina outlasts Brazil in double overtime

Olympics men’s basketball results: Argentina outlasts Brazil in double overtime

Argentina's small forward Andres Nocioni scores a last second three-pointer to equalize during a Men's round Group B basketball match between Argentina and Brazil at the Carioca Arena 1 in Rio de Janeiro on August 13, 2016 during the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. / AFP / Mark RALSTON (Photo credit should read MARK RALSTON/AFP/Getty Images) /

Argentina outlasted Brazil in double overtime in an absolute classic Olympics men’s basketball matchup from Rio 2016

It’s no secret that the 2016 Rio Olympics men’s basketball matchup between Argentina and Brazil had some fire behind it. These two South American nations have long been rivals in many sports, but their clash on the hardwood promised to be great. With Brazil needing a win to realistically stay alive, the stakes were high as well. Even still, no one could have predicted the drama that would unfold.

Argentina jumped out to a big lead over the host nation in the first quarter thanks to Facundo Campazzo’s offense. However, as Manu Ginobili struggled and the offense faltered a bit, Marcelo Huertas, Leandro Barbosa and Brazil were able to make a furious comeback in the second period. The comeback was so furious in fact that Brazil went into halftime up eight points on the Argentinians.

Obviously Campazzo and company weren’t going to roll over, though, and they kept it close in the third quarter. It wasn’t until a flurry of wild possessions at the end of the fourth that things got really wild. Andres Nocioni hit several big shots, including an impossible three with seconds remaining. That triple tied the score at 85 and, after an empty Brazil possession, forced overtime.

In overtime, Brazil again jumped out to a lead behind more fantastic play from Barbosa and Nene. However, the offense of Nocioni and Campazzo continued to fire. Once again, Argentina was able to come up with clutch buckets down the stretch. They tied it up and forced an incredible double overtime.

Finally Argentina found themselves playing with the lead in double overtime as they looked to secure the win. While Nocioni was finally silenced, the rest of the offense got humming as a whole. Despite the best efforts of Barbosa, Argentina was able to hold on and win in an absolute thriller, 111-107.

Three Stars

Andres Nocioni, Argentina — 37 points, 11 rebounds
Facundo Campozzo, Argentina — 33 points, 11 assists
Nene, Brazil — 24 points, 11 rebounds

Next Games

Argentina will finish up their preliminary round play on Monday against Spain.

Brazil’s run in the preliminary round (and almost surely the Olympics) ends on Monday too against Nigeria.

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