U.S. women’s basketball team defeats Spain to win gold
August 20, 2016
RIO DE JANEIRO — There never was a doubt.
The U.S. women’s basketball team dominated on its way to a sixth consecutive gold medal, clinching its latest one with a 101-72 victory over Spain on Saturday.
The U.S. didn’t have to sweat on their path to the gold after defeating their opponents by an average of 37.3 points over eight games.
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Diana Taurasi, Sue Bird and Tamika Catchings each collected their fourth gold medals, joining Lisa Leslie and Teresa Edwards as the only four-time gold medalists in basketball — men’s or women’s.
Bird returned from a sprained knee that kept her out of the semifinals to score three points.
Spain was within 27-24 early in the second quarter when the U.S. broke it open. Taurasi hit a pair of 3-pointers as the U.S. scored 16 of the next 19 points to take a 43-27 lead.
It only increased from there. Taurasi, who had a stellar Olympics for the U.S. finished with 17 points, including five 3-pointers.
Maya Moore, also a standout for the U.S. had 14 points, five rebounds and six assists.
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(c)2016 Chicago Tribune
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