The US Olympic men's basketball team has advanced to its first major gold-medal game in eight years after a 101-81 victory over Argentina.

The United States will play Spain, who it beat by 37 points in pool play, tomorrow in the final. The Americans haven't won gold since the 2000 Sydney Games.

Carmelo Anthony scored 21 points yesterday for the US team. LeBron James added 13 of his 15 points in the second half.

Argentina, the 2004 Olympic gold medalists, lost leading scorer Manu Ginobili to an ankle injury in the first quarter. Luis Scola scored 26 points for the Argentines, who will face Lithuania tomorrow for the bronze.

Spain beat Lithuania 91-86 in the first semi-final.