SAITAMA -- Manu Ginobili had a chance Friday night to send Argentina into the final of the FIBA World Championship, but as the clock ticked down the NBA star found the door closed by the smothering defense of Spain and the Olympic champions saw their title hopes evaporate with a 75-74 defeat.
Spain's Pau Gasol passes the ball during a World Basketball
Championship semifinal match against Argentina at Saitama Super Arena on Friday.
KYODO PHOTOGinobili, stuck in the lane, kicked the ball out to fellow NBAer Andres Nocioni, who had an open look from six meters on the baseline with just four seconds left, but his shot from the baseline bounced off the rim and Spain grabbed the rebound and ran out the clock for the victory.