US rolls past Spain to sixth Olympic gold

RIO De Janeiro: The United States women’s basketball team thumped Spain 101-72 to claim a sixth straight gold medal on Saturday to rubber-stamp their credentials as one of the greatest Olympic sporting dynasties of all time.
After a sloppy start that saw Spain lead much of the opening quarter, the US finally settled into their familiar rhythm, turning a 10-0 run into a 17-point halftime lead.
From then on there was no way back for Spain as the US extended their Olympic winning streak to a staggering 49-0.
Only two other teams can claim such a run of domination in an Olympic team sport.
The US men’s basketball team earned seven consecutive gold medals from 1936-1968 while India claimed six-straight men’s field hockey titles from 1928-1956.
“It’s mind boggling when you think about it what this team has been able to accomplish, this program,” US coach Geno Auriemma, pictured, said.
“There is such a level of expectation, such a level of respect and it filters down.
“Everyone who puts that jersey on they get it.
“We’re doing stuff that may never be done again.” – Reuters