RIO DE JANEIRO – The U.S. men's basketball team had a comfortable win against Argentina, advancing out of the quarterfinals Wednesday. The Americans won 105-78.
It was the USA’s 51st consecutive victory in a major international event and 23rd consecutive Olympic victory.
The U.S. victory sets up a compelling semifinals matchup between the USA and Spain, which trounced France 92-67 in the quarterfinals.
The glaring accomplishment missing from Spain’s basketball resume is an Olympic gold medal. Spain won the 2006 FIBA World Cup and the European championship in 2009, 2011 and 2015.
But it has never won gold at the Olympics, losing to the U.S. in the final game at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and 2012 London Olympics. NBA veteran and Spain center Pau Gasol wants to add a gold to his two NBA championship rings.
After losing its first two games of the tournament to Croatia and Brazil, Spain was at risk of not advancing to the knockout round. It finished group play with three consecutive victories and is playing its best basketball of the tournament. It is a very good and experienced team with a roster full of current and former NBA players.
And while the U.S. is still the favorite to win gold, the Americans have been vulnerable in close victories against Australia, Serbia and France in Rio.
