Iran - Puerto Rico 81:83 (49:31)
It was not one of the top names on the first day of the basketball World Cup in China, and yet it was the most exciting match: despite a 19-point deficit, Puerto Rico won their opening game against Iran 83-81 thanks to two Points in the last second.
Iran dominated the game in the first and second quarter, only in the second half Puerto Rico came into play better. So it was close to the end 81:81. Then Javier Morijca dribbled the ball to the basket, lifted off for the jump shot and met in the last second to 83:81 victory in the basket. "Thankfully, we won," said Puerto Rico coach Eddie Casiano.
Spain - Tunisia 101: 62 (42:39)
Spain, meanwhile, clearly won its opening match. The world ranking second hit outsider Tunisia 101: 62. It had not looked like a class difference until the third quarter, half led Spain with only three points. Then the team moved to point guard Ricky Rubio of NBA club Utah Jazz but in the third third made Spain 30 points, Tunisia only eight. Rubio scored 17 points throughout the game.
Medalist Spain will face Puerto Rico in Group C next, while Tunisia are playing Iran.
Angola - Serbia 59: 105 (32:50)
Vice World Champion Serbia defeated Angola 105: 59 (50:32). The team of the former Bayern coach Sasa Djordjevic was the much better team, best thrower was Bodgan Bogdanovic from NBA club Sacramento Kings with 24 points. FC Bayern's Vladimir Lucic scored seven points.
The Serbs are aiming to win the silver medal at the 2016 Olympics, the 2014 World Cup and the European Championship. Other opponents in the preliminary group D are Italy and the Philippines.
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Basketball World Cup: The 32 participants in the PowerrankingArgentina - South Korea 95:69 (43:28)
Argentina, third in the world rankings, won 95:69 against South Korea in its opening match. The South Americans dominated the first three quarters, only in the final quarter South Korea was one point better. Guna Ra scored 31 points for the South Koreans, best thrower on the Argentinian side was Facundo Campazzo with 11 points.
In Group B, Argentina are next against Nigeria, who lost their opening game 77:82 to Russia.
