Not lost in translation

Today’s lesson in ‘Teach Yourself Spanish’ comes from Argentinian forward, Luis Scola. ‘¡Qué susto en el primer cuarto! Arrancamos muy mal. Por suerte pudimos levantar. Nigeria en dos días para asegurarnos al menos el 3er puesto .’ Sage words indeed Luis, back to that later.

For the Argentinians eventual 92-69 success over Tunisia was not without it’s hiccups along the way. An early fourteen point lead for the Africans was eventually clawed back but the sides were still tied at the half. It was only in the third period that Argentine talisman Manu Ginobili went to work to see the lead stretched out to 71-56 with no real way back for the plucky Tunisians. Salah Mejri impressed with 19 points and 14 rebounds but again it was Ginobili who stepped up to the mark with 24 points, 6 rebounds, 2 steals and 2 assists. Scola himself made a significant contribution with 20 points and 10 rebounds, all very necessary given the absence of starting PG Pablo Prigioni with kidney stones. So progress is no longer possible for Tunisia, whereas the South Americans prepare themselves for the challenge of Nigeria, who may be somewhat deflated following the record 156-73 defeat at the hands of the USA.

Anyway, back to Senor Scola. ‘What a scare in the 1st quarter! We started very badly. Luckily we were able to raise our game. Nigeria in two days to make sure of at least 3rd place.’ Ok, Don Quixote it isn’t but here’s hoping this adventure in the Spanish language continues for another week or more yet!