Spain earns spot in basketball final

Jose Calderon's two 3-pointers in a 14-1 fourth-quarter run Friday lifted Spain to a 67-50 win over Russia and into the Olympic basketball gold medal game. The Russians limited Spain to 20 points in the first half and appeared on their way to a second victory of these Olympics over the 2008 silver medal winners. Spain then warmed up from 3-point range to overcome a 9-point deficit and tied it through three quarters, only to fall behind again by 3 with 9:13 remaining in the game. Over the next 5 minutes the Russians could score only 1 point while Spain was storming to a 60-50 lead. Spain, seeking its first gold medal in basketball, will take on either the United States or Argentina in the championship game Sunday. The Americans downed Spain in the 2008 finals. The Spanish made just 2-of-11 3-point tries in the first half and then hit 7-of-12 over the final two quarters. Calderon made four of those while scoring 14 points. Spain was led by Pau Gasol with 16. Sasha Kaun paced Russia with 14 points. When the teams met in group play early in the Olympics, Russia overcame a big early deficit to down Spain 77-74. Russia went 5-0 to win its group and then defeated Lithuania in the quarterfinals.