Argentina wipes out 10-point deficit to lead Gilas Pilipinas in 1st half

SEVILLE, Spain–The Argentines used the three-point shot as a bail-out weapon in the second period, successfully wiping out a 10-point deficit to take a 43-38 lead into the halftime break.

Bad news for Argentina, though, was Luis Scola picking up his third foul–an offensive variety–when he was trying to jockey for position against Gabe Norwood underneath.

This remains to be a remarkable showing for the Filipinos, who started out hot and have stayed on the coattails of the 2004 Olympic gold medalists.

Ranidel de Ocampo is pacing the Philippines with 10 points, while Andray Blatche–feeling and moving better compared to Sunday night against the Greeks–scored just six points after resting for more than 15 minutes because of two fouls.

Coach Chot Reyes obviously liked what he saw in the first half and huddled with his bunch for less than three minutes in the locker room.

Scola and Walter Herrmann led the Argentines with 10 points each.

Jason Castro, Gabe Norwood and June Mar Fajardo also have six points each like Blatche for the Philippines.