US women down stubborn Spain to stay perfect

0 Comments | AFP, August, 2004

ATHENS (AFP) — Defending champion United States downed stubborn Spain 71-58 here in a battle of Olympic women's basketball unbeatens, clinching first place in their preliminary round group.

Lisa Leslie scored 19 points while Tina Thompson added 16 and Tamika Catchings had 14 for the Americans, who have won 35 of their past 36 Olympic games and captured four of the past five gold medals.

The Spaniards were level 37-37 midway into the third quarter before the US women went on a 13-4 run to finish the quarter. Dawn Staley's five points ignited the crucial spurt.

The US women rose to 4-0 in Group B while Spain fell to 3-1. Both advance to next week's quarter-finals along with the Czech Republic and New Zealand.

New Zealand beat China 79-77 on Megan...