LONDON (AP) — Jose Calderon scored 14 points — 12 in the second half — and Pau Gasol added 16 as Spain rallied for a 67-59 win in the men’s Olympic basketball tournament over Russia on Friday, setting up a potential second straight final against the U.S.
The Spaniards hopes for gold nearly dried up at halftime. They trailed by 13 in the first quarter and 11 at the half before the defending silver medalists dug down and showed why they’re the world’s No. 2-ranked team.
Spain shot just 21 percent in the opening half, but recovered to keep alive its hopes of winning a first Olympic gold medal. After the final horn, the players went into the stands to hug members of Spain’s royal family.
Sasha Kaun scored 14 points and Andrei Kirilenko added 10 for Russia.
The U.S. and Argentina squared off in the second semifinal game Friday night with the winner to meet Spain in the gold medal game on Sunday.
