Solid day yesterday going 2-1. Here's what went down:
Argentina (-2) v. Brazil $$$$
This was an incredible game, and we were incredibly fortunate to come away with the victory. Brazil went up by three with :20 seconds remaining, and Ginobili bricked a three with :9 seconds remaining for Argentina. But somehow Argentina's Facundo Campazzo, the smallest player on the court, snatched the rebound from two Brazilians and kicked it out to Andres Nocioni, who got a friendly bounce and knocked in the three to send the game to overtime.
In the first overtime, Campazzo came up clutch again, using a nice hesitation move to get past the Brazilian defense and tie the game at 95. But Ginobili missed yet another shot at the buzzer, and the game went to another overtime.
In the second overtime, it was all Campazzo. He came out and hit 2 three's within the first minute to put the Argentinians up six, and hit some clutch free throws late to ice it.
Brazil played a good game and deserve some credit. Nene absolutely manhandled Scola in the paint, putting in 24 points and 11 rebounds. Leandro Barbosa got hot late to keep the Brazilians in it. But as we have seen in the past the Argentinians found a way to win, knocking off Brazil 111-107.
Lithuania (+3.5) v. Spain XXXX
This game was doomed from the start, as Spain absolutely dominated the Lithuanians all night. The Spaniards were unconscious from three, shooting a combined 50%. Pau went 5/5 from deep, and even Ricky Rubio was wet hitting 3/4. The game ended in a 109-59 victory for Spain.
This bet was a disaster, but I'm not giving up on Lithuania. They honestly didn't play that poorly, shooting a combined 40% from the floor. But when the other team is making half its threes, it doesn't really matter. Lithuania has already clinched a spot in the playoffs, so this loss isn't too devastating.
Nigeria (+10.5) v. Croatia $$$$
Nigeria got their first win of the tournament, defeating Croatia 90-76. Michael Umeh led the Nigerians with 19 points. Ike Diogu recorded a double-double with 10 points and 12 boards.
Bojan Bogdanovic continued his Olympic tear with 28 points, raising his scoring average to 25.5. But it wasn't enough as Nigeria was able to pull the upset.