US Redeem Team face World Champ Spain for Beijing Gold

Team USA booked its place in the Basketball finals in Beijing Olympics by beating Athens' gold medalist Argentina 101 - 81 to move one win away of redeeming themselves and reclaiming supremacy in the sport.

Argentina's slim hope of an upset was crushed when star player Manu Ginobili re-injured his ankle that hampered his performance in recently concluded NBA playoffs. Even with him, the Argentines had a difficult time keeping instep with the Americans.

Despite losing their captain, the Argentines fought valiantly and hung tough against the star-studded US team. They will play Lithuania for the bronze medal.

Carmelo Anthony and Lebron James, both remnants from the last US Olympic team spearheaded their team's march to the gold medal match. Fittingly, they have redeemed themselves to a better finish this time around, assured of silver and almost a shoo-in for gold.

Earlier, world champion Spain survived LIthuania in the other semifinal 91 - 86. They need to deliver a sublime performance to have any chance against Team USA which obliterated them with a 37 point beating.

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I find it unfortunate and upsetting for CS sports/RPN for not airing this live or even on a delayed telecast, opting to show a bronze medal soccer game.