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NOVI SAD (FIBA U19 World Championship) - Argentina endured an almighty struggle against Korea on the opening day of the FIBA U19 World Championship but struck back from a seven-point deficit in the second half and won 91-85.

With the game having been tight for the entire first half and the opening six minutes of the third quarter, Korea managed to raise their level of play and seize a 63-56 advantage on a three-point play by Seung Won Kim.

The South Americans tied the contest at 67-67 by the end of third quarter, but the Koreans again surged into a 73-67 lead after consecutive three-pointers by Minseob Kim and Yoomin Park.

With 8:25 remaining in the contest, Argentina finally caught fire and not only pulled level, but raced ahead.

Sebastian Uranga started a 13-0 spurt with a three-ball, and Nicolas Aguirre followed with a lay-up.

Jonathan Machuca and Diego Gerbaudo hit consecutive shots from the arc before Federico Aguerre capped the run with a dunk for an 80-73 lead.

Korea never recovered.

Gerbaudo had 16 points for the Argentinians, while Jin Soo Kim poured in a game-high 24 in defeat for the Koreans.

FIBA