Team USA Wins Sloppy Game against Argentina

In a game riddled with fouls, where tempers flared, and offenses couldn't get anything going, the United States basketball team won 101-81 against the hard-nosed Argentineans who lost Manu Ginobili to an injury early in the second quarter.

Luis Scola led all scorers, as it seemed he couldn't miss with 28 points on 13-for-21 shooting. Carmelo Anthony, despite shooting 3-for-14, led the Americans with 21 points thanks in part to making all 13 of his free throws.

The Americans were looking to avenge a 2004 Athens loss in the semifinals that knocked them out of gold medal contention. They looked like they were cruising for a blowout as they went on an 18-0 run, and ended up leading at the end of the first quarter 30-11.

It only looked better for the Americans as Argentina's star shooting guard Manu Ginobili went down with what looked like a leg injury.

Andres Nocioni, who was also injured prior to the game, was utilized and would make a quick impact. Nocioni blocked a potential Kobe Bryant dunk and led the way to a huge Argentina run.

Carlos Delfino, Andres Nocioni, and Alfredo Quinteros led the second quarter barrage with a number of threes and easy baskets as U.S.A. couldn't create anything on either side of the court. Argentina in fact cut the lead down to six, before Carmelo Anthony put up three points on a foul from behind the arc before the half ended.

The United States quickly pulled away to double digits at the beginning of the third quarter and didn't look back as they kept the lead over 10 throughout the second half. Even up by a large margin though, the Argentineans kept attacking thanks in part to Houston Rocket player Luis Scola. He took over the role as shooter.

Scola, who is fourth in points per game in the Olympics, made just about every mid-range jumper, attacked boards, and got easy layups. Carlos Delfino also made a number of three-pointers but the United States proved to be too much.

LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, and Dwayne Wade all led the way in the fourth quarter, making a number of shots including consecutive deep threes from James that put the game out of reach.

LeBron finished with 15 points and three three-pointers. Kobe finished with 12 on 2-of-9, shooting from beyond the arc. Wade, who sat out substantial time once again due to foul trouble, finished with 12 points.

Tempers flared in the second quarter as Francisco Oberto put a hard foul on Dwight Howard. Even though Howard walked away from the confrontation, Carmelo Anthony was quick to defend his teammate and he got into Oberto's face before being quickly pulled by veteran guard Jason Kidd.

The United States had a few lapses on both sides of the court including a number of unnecessary turnovers. In one instance on the fast break, LeBron James had what looked like an easy dunk, but then continued to try and pass it to a guarded Kobe Bryant. The ball was stolen easily and Argentina ran off with it.

The United States now advances to the gold medal round and will face off with Spain, a team they beat by 37 early in pool play. If the U.S. wins, it will be their first gold medal since the 2000 games. It will bring the United States team back to the top platform.