US in rematch against Spain

Today USA vs Spain 15:50 SS4Bronze medal matchArgentina vs Russia 11:50 SS5LONDON–Reigning Olympic champions United States set up a mouthwatering gold medal rematch with Spain by thrashing Argentina 109-83 in the men’s basketball tournament on Friday.Spain, who beat Russia 67-59 in their semifinal, lost 118-107 to the Americans in a close final at the Beijing Games.The US and Spain will play on Sunday for the title when Argentina and Russia battle for the bronze medal.“The final in 2008 was very competitive, very emotional,” said Pau Gasol, who led Spain in their semi with 16 points. “We felt we had a good chance and we fought throughout the game.“We understand it’s going to be difficult again. It’s a huge opportunity. We are so fortunate that we have our second chance and so it’s a matter of going out there and enjoying the moment and competing as hard as you can.”Argentina kept pace with the US team throughout the first half on Friday, as they did in the preliminary round, trailing 47-40 despite falling behind 18-6 early in the game.After the break, Argentina faded under some relentless offensive firepower. Kevin Durant warmed up from three-point range and poured in four bombs as the US team stretched their lead to 17 points going into the fourth quarter.Carmelo Anthony took the baton from Durant and rained threes in the last quarter, sinking four in short order to pad the lead to 93-62 before the US took their foot off the accelerator.Durant led the scoring for the US with 19 points, with Anthony and LeBron James adding 18 apiece.Agencies