RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) – Walang duda na ang US women’s basketball team ang pinakamatikas na koponan sa Olympics.
Nakopo ng Americans ang ikaanim na sunod na kampeonato sa Olympic at ikawalo sa huling siyam na Olympic finals nang gapiin ang Spain, 101-72, nitong Sabado (Linggo sa Manila).
Bunsod ng panalo, nahila ng USA ang Olympic win streak sa 49 panalo mula nang matalo sa semi-final noong 1992 Games.
Sa nakalipas na 20 taon, tangan ng Americans ang matikas na 89-1 marka sa international competition.
Elasto Painters, nakabawi sa Beermen matapos ang 11-game losing streak; June Mar, nabutata!
“I’m pretty sure we demonstrated we are one of the best teams ever,” pahayag ni US guard Sue Bird.
Ratsada sina Diana Taurasi at Lindsay Whalen sa natipang tig-17 puntos, habang kumana si Maya Moore ng 14 puntos.
“It’s pretty incredible,” sambit ni Taurasi.
“We had a goal to win the gold medal but there’s something more to it than that.
“It’s not about one person, one coach -- it’s about, ‘How can we make this the best basketball team ever?’”
Nakamit nina Taurasi, Bird at Tamika Catchings ang ikaapat na career Olympic gold para pantayan ang marka ng retirado nang sina Lisa Leslie at Teresa Edwards.
“Super special,” pahayag ni Moore.
“I feel so privileged to have those leaders ahead of me, to watch them, play alongside them, to just learn so that in the future when I’m in moments where leadership is needed, I can call on memories I’ve had with them.”
Bukod sa women’s team, ang tanging koponan na nagtala ng dominanteng pamamayagpag sa Olympics ang US men’s basketball team na nagwagi ng unang pitong kampeonato sa basketball.
“That’s unreal,” ayon kay US forward Angel McCoughtry.
Nakamit naman ng Spain ang kauna-unahang silver medal sa Olympic women’s basketball. Ang pinakamataas nilang naabot ay ikalimang puwesto noong 1992 at 2008.
“It’s historic for our country. For me, it’s a dream come true,” pahayag ni Alba Torrens, nanguna sa Spain sa naiskor na 18 puntos.
