Unlike the United States men's basketball team, the ladies have had absolutely no issues whatsoever in Rio, winning literally just about every single quarter they have played in this tournament. Their last step to gold medals and glory comes against Spain on Saturday afternoon in what will likely end up being more of a coronation and less of a competitive basketball game.
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Tournament Update
The United States has been awesome in this entire tournament. In five group stage matches, the Americans waltzed to a point differential of +204, including a 40-point drubbing of this same Spanish team in the second of five matches.
In the knockout rounds, things have really been just as easy for the Stars and Stripes. They cruised to a 110-64 win over Japan in the quarterfinals and an 86-67 triumph over France. The French actually kept that game competitive for just a bit, as the Americans were only up 40-36 at halftime, but they stormed to a 25-8 third quarter to put the game away.
Spain has had a really good run as well. The team finished second in Group B and didn't have a single relatively close game in the bunch. The first knockout round game against Turkey was a slugfest for sure, and the team had to rally from down by five heading into the fourth quarter to win 64-62. Spain then dismissed Serbia 68-54 in the semifinals to reach this point.
Roster Analysis
Geno Auriemma's team truly is special once again. Any combination of these women would whoop up on any all-star team put together by the rest of the world game in and game out in all likelihood, and that's why this is more or less a formality to finish off getting these gold medals.
Eleven of the 12 players scored at least six points for the Americans when they were on the court against Spain just over a week ago. Eleven of the 12 also had a +/- of at least +11, numbers which are just unheard of at this level.
Spain meanwhile, has to keep a little more balanced for sure. Alba Torrens scored 20 against the USA last time out, and her average of 19.7 points per game is third best in this tournament.
Live Betting
Live betting this game is going to be incredibly difficult due to the fact that it's inevitable that the Americans are going to win and win by a huge margin. If the Spanish are going to keep this close though, Torrens has to have the game of her life. Like 30+ points good. At minimum.
Spain has really slowed games down this entire tournament, and it will have to play the Americans in the 70s to have any chance of staying even remotely close. If the United States gets off and running with a 30-point quarter in the first half, this game is as good as over.
Quick Pick
Should we just list the names of the 12 American players and call it a day? The only question is whether the United States will win this match by enough points to cover the spread. Considering the fact that the 40-point win in the second group stage match featured one quarter in which Spain scored 23 points, something which is doubtful to be replicated, we have no doubt that this game could be even worse.
Olympics Odds: United States 108, Spain 59
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