BEIJING (Olympics) – Argentina pulled away from Iran for a 97-82 victory on Saturday to clinch second place in Group A at the Olympics.

Sergio Hernandez’s team had too much class for the Asian champions, a team they beat in the FIBA Diamond Ball Tournament that was staged in Nanjing before the Beijing Games.

Manu Ginobili, the most valuable player on Argentina’s gold-medal winning team in Athens four years ago, scored 20 of his game-high 32 points in the second half.

He was lethal from long range, making four of six shots from behind the arc in the game.

The South Americans finish their preliminary round on Monday against European champions Russia, who dropped to 1-3 and were eliminated from contention for a place in the quarter-finals earlier in the day in a defeat to Australia.

Lithuania beat Croatia in the third game of the day to wrap up first place in the group.

The Lithuanians edged Argentina on the opening day of the men’s tournament.

Iran were on top 11-7 midway through the first quarter before Argentina went on a 12-3 run to close the frame and lead 19-14.

Rajko Toroman’s team got a scoring boost from Hamed Afagh and only faced a 30-25 deficit with five minutes left in the first half.

Afagh scored 16 of his 19 points in the first half.

Argentina took a 42-33 lead to the changing rooms and when play resumed, eventually wore down the Iranians for a decisive victory.

Luis Scola, a fan favourite in China because he is a Houston Rocket teammate of the country’s favourite son, Yao Ming, weighed in with 20 points and seven rebounds for Argentina.

Pablo Prigioni also provided some offense with eight first-half points and 11 overall. The Tau Ceramica playmaker was three of five from behind the arc, and he also dished out six assists.

FIBA