Australia fell to defending Olympic Champions, Argentina 95-91 in the final of the Diamond Ball competition in Nanjing, China. Australia had built a 19-point lead early in the 3rd but a Luis Scola 28-point half proved too much for the Boomers.

ahm Hawk Glen Saville's sideline triple brought it back to one with 26-seconds left in final, but Argentina held on for a 95-91 win.

Despite the loss Boomers will take heart in pushing the defending champions to the limit. Showing strong depth only CJ Bruton (25) and Matt Nielsen (23) played over 20 minutes for Australia, whereas the Argentina's NBA starters all clocked big minutes in particular Manu Ginobili (29), Luis Scola (32) and Andres Nocioni (37).

With 4:30 left Carlos Delfino nailed a three to make it a one point game, Nielsen hit a long two and then Scola tied it with a three point play.

Seconds later Scola was at it again grabbing a steal and fast break to take the lead.

Another Australia miss and a Fabricio Oberto make had the Boomers suddenly looking at a four point deficit.

It was back to one when Manu Ginobili drilled a tough triple to make it 89-85 with 70 seconds left.

Featuring NBA stars Ginobli & Oberto (San Antonio), Nocioni (Chicago), Scola (Houston) and Delfino (Toronto) many predicted an easy win, but it was the Boomers who led for most of the match before a big last quarter got the South Americans home.

Boomers NBA star Andrew Bogut sat for most of the second half with a ankle ailment.

Argentina received a huge boost from the free throw line, connecting on 34/39 in contrast to Australia's 12/17.

In contrast to the low scoring in the previous games pre-olympic tourny both teams scorched the net from the outset, Australia ending the first up 25-24.

The Boomers held the lead despite not attempting a single free throw, Argentina were 10/11 in comparison.

The South Americans were also a perfect 4/4 from outside, with Nocioni providing three.

Australia shot 10/16 for the first quarter - including 5/7 from deep.

Australia's lead extended to 47-35 in the dying stages of half on a pair of CJ Bruton free throws.

Nocioni had 18 at the half for Argentina.

David Barlow's three to open the 2nd half had Boomers up 15, it was soon 19 before the Olympic champs started their run and got it back to seven on a slicing layup from Ginobili.

Australia steadied momentarily to get it back out to 11, but Argentina scored four straight to end the third period down 69-62.

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