USA's Mission Almost Complete

Team USA continues to dominate all competition at the FIBA Americas Tournament, as they should. Lead by Kobe, Lebron and Melo, opposing teams are simply being left in the dust as the US players dazzle the crowd. The latest victory came over Argentina, and had one of the closer margins of victory. However, Argentina was considered the toughest competition for the US team in the tournament.

From ESPN.com:

"Kobe Bryant's strong start quickly took the drama out of the most-anticipated game of the FIBA Americas tournament.

Now comes the only one that matters.

Bryant scored 27 points -- 15 in the first quarter -- and the United States cruised into the semifinals of the FIBA Americas tournament as the No. 1 seed by beating Argentina 91-76 Thursday night.

Carmelo Anthony added 18 points and LeBron James had 15 for the Americans, who will face Puerto Rico in Saturday's second semifinal game. A victory there gives them a berth in the 2008 Olympics.

"It was a little stagnant at the start and I came out and got hot early and we rode that for a little bit and helped us get off to a quick start," Bryant said. "We're close to accomplishing our goal."

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Time to be proud to be an American basketball fan again as Team USA keeps rolling. Hats off to Jerry Colangelo for assembling this group of talent who are basically steamrolling all competition. A win in the Finals will qualify the US team for a spot at the 2008 Olmypics in Beijing.

Weekend Schedule

Saturday, at Las Vegas
Game 1: Brazil vs. Argentina, 4 p.m. ET (ESPN360)
Game 2: United States vs. Puerto Rico, 7 p.m. ET (ESPN Classic, ESPN360)

Sunday, at Las Vegas
Bronze medal game, 4 p.m. ET
Gold medal game, 7 p.m. ET