Throughout the 2008 Beijing Olympic basketball games, the United States’ outings have, for the most part, had virtually the same story: a competitive first quarter, but the US controls the game from mid-to-late second quarter and on. In today’s Semifinals matchup vs. defending champion Argentina, the sequence of events were a bit different. Team USA, despite typically getting off to “going through the motions” type of starts, came right out of the gate on a 21-4 run, on account of their superior energy level and early defensive pressure. As a result of that, the the US forced Argentina into seven turnovers in the first quarter.

With roughly 1:30 left in the first frame, Pablo Prigioni knocked down a three from the left corner to stop the 18-0 United States run, but it didn’t do the Argentinians much good. Deron Williams and Carmelo Anthony would team up to connect on back-to-back threes, followed by a three-point play the old fashioned way from Chris Bosh. Andres Nocioni’s buzzer-beating runner helped pick up the spirits of the Argentine club, but that didn’t necessarily erase the 19-point deficit that they were faced with heading into the second quarter.

End of 1st Quarter: United States 30, Argentina 11

To begin the second quarter, Argentina was without star guard Manu Ginobili, who was a bit shaken up with what appeared to be an ankle injury mid-first quarter.

However, the loss of Ginobili didn’t quite hurt Argentina in the second quarter as much as you would have thought. With their star player in the locker room, Argentina went on a 16-3 run in the second quarter, cutting the lead from 19 all the way down to eight. The United States went away from their ball movement and ball pressure. Instead of moving the ball and attacking, they overdribbled and settled for jump shots. Want statistical proof? The US shot six of 20 from beyond the arc in the first half. Argentina took advantage of that, and then some, as they managed to get the US in foul trouble and rack up some easy points from the free throw line.

After some outstanding work around the basket from Luis Scola, to go along with a continually sloppy US offense, Argentina had brought themselves within six with just seconds remaining. However, the United States lucked out with 0.9 seconds to go in the first half, as Carmelo Anthony was fouled on a three-point shot attempt and proceeded to bury all three free throws.

After a 29-19 Argentina advantage throughout the second quarter, the United States found themselves up by nine - their lowest halftime advantage in 2008 Olympic play - at intermission.

Luis Scola was the individual star of the first half, as the energetic Argentinian forward tallied 12 points and seven boards by the break. Carmelo Anthony and Kobe Bryant led the way for the US with a combined 25 points, but on a sub-par 4-12 shooting clip. Chris Paul, despite some sloppiness, sparked the US offense in spurts off the bench with 11 points on 4-5 shooting.

Halftime: United States 49, Argentina 40

The US opened up the second half the right way offensively, as they moved the ball beautifully, displayed good shot selection, and made it a point to establish Dwight Howard inside right away. Just under four and a half minutes into the third quarter, the United States had extended their lead back up to 18.

Unfortunately for Argentina, Manu Ginobili was unable to start the second half, and could not get out on the floor to help get his team back into it.

Carlos Delfino was able to get hot, as he scored 11 points in the third quarter, but the US was able to maintain their lead despite losing the aggressive edge they had began the quarter with. Even so, they hadn’t been able to definitively pull away, as we’re used to seeing.

End of 3rd Quarter: United States 78, Argentina 64

LeBron James opened up the fourth quarter with back-to-back, silky-smooth threes, and by the 7:28 mark, the US lead was pushed back up to 19. However, the US continued to settle for three-point shots, and allowed Argentina’s attack game to cut the lead back down to 13 moments later, sans Ginobili.

The United States bench was able to bring a burst of energy and hang on to walk away with a 20-point victory. No matter the outcome, you’ve got to tip your hat to Argentina for the way they fought all game long, especially Luis Scola from an individual standpoint. Many teams that the US has played this summer has folded after facing an 18 to 20-point deficit, but Argentina refused to let up, despite the fact that their best player was unable to play beyond the first quarter.

The United States did not play their best basketball in this one. They appeared to be a bit fatigued, which could be a big part of why they shot 31 three-point field goals to just 37 two-point field goals; that’s not going to cut it. With that said, a win is a win. Despite perhaps Team USA’s shakiest performance of Olympic play, let’s enjoy where our beloved American basketball team is at right now - undefeated, and one victory away from a gold medal.

Final: United States 101, Argentina 81

The US had seven players in double figures in today’s game, led by 21 from Carmelo Anthony, who shot just 3-14 from the floor but sank all 13 free throw attempts. LeBron James fell right behind with 15 points, to go along with five rebounds and two assists. Jason Kidd led the team in assists, as the 14-year NBA veteran dished seven dimes in 16 minutes of action. Off the bench, Chris Bosh contributed a double-double of 11 points and 10 rebounds, followed by 12 points apiece for Chris Paul and Dwyane Wade.

Despite the loss, however, Argentina’s Luis Scola was the individual star of this ballgame, as previously mentioned. The soon-to-be second-year Houston Rocket was the game’s highest scorer with 26 points on an efficient 12-20 shooting clip, and solidified that offensive effort with 11 boards and two blocks. Scola’s soft touch, determination, and non-stop hustle was impeccable. Former NBA swingman Carlos Delfino also had himself a big second half, where he scored 17 of his 19 total points and came away with eight boards for Argentina. Chicago Bulls forward Andres Nocioni played hobbled, as he suffered a knee injury vs. Greece in the Quarterfinals, but managed to contribute 10 points and a great deal of hustle for his country.

The United States will battle Spain for the gold medal early Sunday morning (August 24) at 2:30 am ET. Yes, you read that correctly - 2:30 am ET. Be sure to take a cat nap or two on Saturday afternoon.