Aug. 22, 2008

Beijing, China -

Complete Deron Williams Coverage in Beijing
Complete Coverage of All Seven Fighting Illini in Beijing

Recap of USA vs. Argentina
Box Score

Team USA started strong and maintained its advantage the entire way in defeating Argentina by the score of 101-81 in the Olympic semifinal round Friday night in Beijing. With the victory, the U.S. improves to 7-0 in Olympic competition and moves on to the gold medal round vs. Spain.

Former Illini All-American guard Deron Williams had six points and two assists in 13 minutes for the U.S., who had seven players score in double figures led by Carmelo Anthony's 21 points.

The U.S. scored 21 of the game's first 25 points and never looked back. Argentina did make one run, cutting it to a six-point game just before halftime. But the United States took control early in the third quarter to move ahead by 17 and the lead stayed in double figures the rest of the way.

The United States will face reigning FIBA World Champion Spain in the gold medal game on Sunday morning at 1:30 a.m. Central Time. The two teams met last week during Olympic preliminary play, with the U.S. cruising to a 119-82 win.