FIBA World Cup Day 3: Dieng leads Senegal past Croatia; Serbia, Argentina, Greece victorious
The FIBA World Cup continues in Spain. Check back as we update Day 3 action throughout the day.
Senegal 77, Croatia 75
Minnesota Timberwolves center Gorgui Dieng did a little bit of everything to lead Senegal to their second straight win at the FIBA World Cup.
Last season's NBA All-Rookie Second Team center led all scorers with 27 points on 8-of-14 shooting, eight rebounds, three assists and two blocks while playing all 40 minutes.
It was an excellent follow-up performance for Senegal, who notched their first win on the world stage since 1998 on Day 2.
Draft-and-stash pick Dario Saric - taken in 2014 by the Philadelphia 76ers - impressed for Croatia, chipping in 15 points, grabbing six rebounds and adding four assists and three steals in 28 minutes of action.
Senegal led by seven at the half, and Croatia was able to chip away throughout the second half, but a crucial close out by Dieng on a potential game-tying bucket at the horn sealed Senegal's second win of the tournament.
Greece 90, Puerto Rico 79
Greece cruised on the strength of 53 percent shooting from the field to top a valiant effort from the Puerto Rican side.
Nikos Zisis led the scoring charge with 19 points on 7-of-9 shooting, including a blistering 4-of-5 from three-point range.
Puerto Rico's slow start to the game ultimately cost them any shot at a comeback, as a 27-point fourth quarter charge still left them well short of shutting down a Greek side that boasted four players in double figures.
The two teams are headed in opposite directions in Group B. Greece improves to 3-0 on the tournament to lead the group, while Puerto Rico falls to the basement at 0-3.
Serbia 83, Iran 70
A dominant effort from Hamed Haddadi wasn't enough to lift Iran over Serbia on Monday afternoon.
Haddadi poured in 29 points and five rebounds, but a well-rounded effort from Serbia secured a 83-70 win.
Nemanja Bjelica led the way for Serbia with a double-double - 18 points and 10 rebounds - while Miloš Teodosić added nine assists.
Serbia led by four at halftime and put the game on ice in the third quarter, outscoring Iran 25-13 in the frame, allowing them to cruise to a 13-point victory.
The win moves Serbia to the top of the Group A table with five points, one clear of Spain and Brazil, who both hold a game in hand.
Argentina 85, Philippines 81
This back-and-forth affair came down to the final minute, where the Argentinians held on to a four-point victory.
Argentina took a five-point lead into the half thanks to a shutdown second quarter that saw them hold the Philippines to just 13 points. The game looked to be sewn up after three, as the deficit grew to ten points heading into the fourth.
However, the Philippines mounted a comeback effort in the fourth, limiting their opponents to just 14 points, and trimming the lead to just two with a little over 30 seconds left. The effort fell short, though, when Jayson Williams had his go-ahead three-point attempt blocked and was called for travelling.
Luis Scola led all scorers with 19 points for Argentina, while Andray Blatche added 14 points and 15 rebounds for the Philippines.
Spain 82, Brazil 63
Spain defeated Brazil easily Monday with a 19-point victory. Spain is expected to be Team USA's largest competition in the tournament.
Pau Gasol lead Spain with 26 points and 9 rebounds, while Leandro Barbosa led Brazil with 11 points.
Spain had 28 points in the paint and 30 bench points while committing 21 fouls. They extended their lead to 23 points in the third quarter and cruised to the win.