Team USA is ready to ride into London as the gold medal favorites for the Olympic games after rolling past Spain in the team's final exhibition game, 100-78.
Minnesota Timberwolves forward Kevin Love provided a little dirty work off the bench for the USA team with two points and nine rebounds, while pitching into help against the big Spanish front line led by Pau Gasol. Love was part of a strong team effort that should quiet any doubters of the U.S. squad. Love played a total of 13 minutes off the bench, making 1 of 3 shots.
After falling behind by nine points in the first quarter, the U.S. team rallied to take a 48-40 lead to the break and then turned it on in the second half to wear out the Spanish team. Carmelo Anthony led the U.S. with 27 points while LeBron James added 25 points and eight assists.
The two teams now head to the Olympics where they will be on opposite sides of the draw. At least for now, Love has bragging rights over injured teammate Ricky Rubio who tweeted a little friendly banter before the game.
@kevinlove are u ready to lose against Spain tonight?
— Ricky Rubio (@rickyrubio9) July 24, 2012
For more on Love and his quest for a gold medal, check out Canis Hoopus and SB Nation's Olympics hub.