Calderon helps Spain hold on for 79-78 victory over Britain in Olympic men's basketball

August 2, 2012 |The Associated Press

Spain's Jose Calderon (8) leaps under the basket to score against Great Britain during a preliminary men's basketball game at the 2012 Summer Olympics, Thursday, Aug. 2, 2012, in London. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)

LONDON - Jose Calderon scored eight of his 19 points in the final 44 seconds, then eluded defenders frantically trying to foul him to run out the clock as Spain held on to beat winless Britain 79-78 in Olympic men's basketball Thursday.

The hosts were within two but Luol Deng threw away a pass, leading to Calderon's fast-break layup. After another turnover, Calderon sank a pair of free throws for a 75-69 lead with 39 seconds left.

Dan Clark's 3-pointer cut it to three, but Calderon answered with two more free throws. A 3-pointer by Nate Reinking made it a two-point game, and again Calderon hit two foul shots. Deng answered with another 3-pointer to make 79-78 with 7.2 seconds to go, but Span inbounded to Calderon and the British couldn't catch him to foul.

Pau Gasol scored 17 and Marc Gasol had 12 for Spain (3-0).

Deng finished with 26 points and Joel Freeland added 25 for Britain.

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