Spain's players put on the performances of their lives but came up just short of upsetting the United States in the gold medal game at the Olympics.
Rudy Fernandez underlined his status as one of the hottest star in international basketball with 22 points but the USA prevailed 118-107. Spain fell behind by 14 points in the first half but maintained their concentration and only trailed 69-61 at half-time.
Aito Garcia Reneses' men eventually closed the gap to 91-89 with 8:13 left when Fernandez hit a three-pointer. The excellent Juan Carlos Navarro scored with a runner in the paint and Spain captain Carlos Jimenez buried a three to make it 108-104 with 2:28 remaining.
"Spain were unbelievable," USA star LeBron James said. "Every possession counted. You couldn't take one second off. If it wasn't for our determination, and the will power that we have on each other (shakes head). Much respect for Spain but USA is back on top again."
The USA hit 70% (26 of 37) of their shots inside the arc, compared to Spain's 38 of 75 (51%). Fernandez and Co finished eight of 17 (47%) from long range.
Spain out-rebounded the USA 37-31 and held up well under the defensive pressure, committing just 14 turnovers to 13 for the Americans.