The United States Senior Men’s National Team guaranteed themselves at least a shot at playing for a medal in a 95-81 victory over a tough and experienced Spanish National team. The US team had to overcome a low shooting start in the first half and a huge game form Ricky Rubio, who channeled his inner Oscar Schmidt in dropping 38 on the Americans.
Team USA will take on the winner of the Australia/Argentina matchup in the semis.
From nba news services :
First Quarter: Spain 21, USA 19
Spain used an 11-2 run to close out the first quarter with the lead. Minnesota Timberwolves guard Ricky Rubio was on fire early, pouring in 13 points in the first 10 minutes.
Brooklyn Nets forward Kevin Durant scored 7 points for Team USA and Milwaukee Bucks guard Jrue Holiday added 5.
Halftime: Spain 43, USA 43
Despite finishing the half 4-of-17 from 3-point range, Team USA’s offense kept pace with Spain before the break.
Sergio Rodriguez (10 points) joined Rubio in double figures for the Spanish side, while Durant leads Team USA with 12 points at halftime.
Third Quarter: USA 69, Spain 63
Spain finished the third quarter on another 11-2 run to cut into a double-digit lead for Team USA.
Durant stayed hot for the United States, scoring 13 points in the third quarter, but Rubio answered with a scorching scoring performance of his own and has a game-high 27 points entering the final frame.
Final: USA 95, Spain 81
Team USA closed out the victory with a strong fourth quarter, outscoring Spain, 26-18.
Rubio finished with a game-high 38 points. Durant led Team USA with 29.
