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RIO DE JANEIRO, Aug. 18 (Xinhua) -- The United States are one win away to their sixth consecutive Olympic gold medal as they beat France 86-67 in the semi-final of the women's basketball tournament of the Rio Olympics here on Thursday.
Spain entered the Olympic finals for the first time in the history as they thrashed Serbia 68-54 in the other semi. France will meet Serbia to battle for the bronze medal.
This was the 47th Olympic victory in row for the U.S. since 1996 Atlanta Games.
France hung on in the first half when they trailed only 40-36, but the Americans built up a 21-point lead in the third quarter.
Diana Taurasi led the U.S. with 18 points when the Americans dominated the board by 43-29.
A silver medal is ensured for Spain, which have never won a medal at Olympics.
Spain, which beat Serbia 65-59 in the preliminary round, led as many as 19 points for their sixth victory of the tournament.
None of the teams had a good-shooting game but Spain made 21 free-throws while Serbia made 10.
