Rio de Janeiro: Diana Taurasi scored 13 points to lead five double-digit point producers Monday as the United States stretched its Olympic women’s basketball win streak to 43 games by ripping Spain 103-63.
Elena Delle Donne and Sylvia Fowles each added 12 points for the Americans, who are five-time defending Olympic champions and reigning world champions.
The Americans led 54-37 at half-time and stretched their advantage in the final two quarters.
“It is clear that if you do not play at your 150 percent against these women they will win by 40 points and if you play at your 150 percent perhaps they will win by 40 too,” said Spain captain Laia Palau.
“It’s possible to beat them. But it is very difficult. Physically, they play in another rhythm, another speed.”
The US dynasty has won seven of the past eight Olympic crowns and is 60-3 all-time at the Olympics.
Alba Torrens, who led Spain with 20 points, added, “There is almost nothing impossible. But beating the United States is almost impossible.”
