U.S. basketball survives tough challenge from Argentina
However, the U.S. had to survive a tough challenge from a limited Argentina team, only managing a lead in the teens throughout much of the second half of a 101-81 semifinal victory late Friday night at the Olympic Basketball Gymnasium.
Carmelo Anthony scored 21 points and LeBron James added 15 as the U.S. had seven players finish with double-figure points. Luis Scola collected a game-high 26 for Argentina.
Argentina played most of the game without star guard Manu Ginobili, who suffered an injury early in the first half and finished with only 6:21 of playing time and two points.
The United States advances to Sunday's gold-medal game against Spain — a team they beat by 30-plus points in preliminary-pool play earlier in the Olympics.
Utah Jazz guard Deron William hit two 3-pointers for his six points for the United States, while Jazz teammate Carlos Boozer missed his only shot attempt in the final minutes.
Spain downed Lithuania 91-86 in the earlier semifinal behind Pau Gasol's 19 points.
E-mail: taylor@desnews.com
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