Argentina 98, Venezuela 63

August 27, 2007 � Las Vegas, Nevada

Argentina picked up in the Second Round right where it left off in the First Round � with a win. Entering the day as one of two remaining undefeated teams (United States), Argentina defeated Venezuela 98-63 to keep its� perfect mark in tact.

Showing no signs of fatigue after playing an overtime tilt with Panama last night, the Argentines rode the game-high 21 points of Roman Gonzalez to victory. Carlos Delfino added 19 for the winners.

Venezuela managed only 10 first quarter points on 5-of-17 shooting and trailed by a large margin throughout the contest. Carlos Cedeno�s 15 points paced the Venezuelans.

SERGIO HERNANDEZ, ARGENTINA HEAD COACH
What was your objective getting into this game?
My goal is always to win the game by working on a rotational system, which is working great for us in this tournament. We play with great intensity every game and by using a rotational system we do not overwhelm our players. I think today's game went great, and as a result of our strategy the player who played the most had only seventeen minutes of game time.

How difficult was to prepare the team with such a short notice?
It was very difficult because we went to sleep last night around one A.M., and we did not practice this morning. About ninety percent of the team after breakfast sleeps until eleven o'clock, and this is not ideal. We need to have more time to prepare them, but this is how this tournament goes. There are teams who play three or four consecutive games with no break. We, for example, will play again tomorrow, so my strategy is to give some rest to our players by using this rotational coordination.

ROMAN GONZALEZ, ARGENTINA
What is your opinion on how this game went?
My opinion is very positive. We not only won this match, but we also reached our goal to play collectively. I do not get happy about individual achievements within the team, so I am very happy with the way we played today� as a group. I think this was key for Argentina, so I am happy for the team today and excited about tomorrow's game.

After a late game last night, what did you personally do to prepare for this game?
I did what I always do. Last night's game was very positive for us as well on offensive and defensive levels, but we had very little rest. I simply tried to focus on the next game and think positive. As I said before, every team has a way to succeed, and I think Argentina succeeds by staying focus as a group.

NELSON SOL�RZANO, VENEZUELA ASSISTANT COACH
What are your thoughts about today's game and your expectations about tomorrow's match?
I think since the first quarter, the team did not play with the same intensity as it has in the past. Team Argentina saw an opportunity and dominated the game early because of this. We could not stop them after that. I think we just have to take the positives about this game and use it for our following game. Hopefully, we will have a better game tomorrow than today.

CARLOS CEDENO, VENEZUELA
What positives can you take from this game and use on the next one?
Overall, I think what we need to improve is to play together. I think that was key on this game. We have to make plays together, have more patience in court and concentrate better on our shootings. I think the most important thing I can take from this game is to improve on our defense. We were too open and the Argentinean team had too many clear shots. Every time we could balance the game, we would open up and they would get a clear shot.

What makes Argentina so effective?
The collective game that they have. It was impressive how often they made plays and worked together. They all know their roles in court, and they execute them very well. I think this is how Argentina is so successful.