Russia beats Spain in men's basketball

LONDON - Russia charged back from an 18-point deficit to edge Spain 77-74 here on Saturday and finished first place in Group B of the men's basketball tournament at the London Olympics.

Spain's Pau Gasol grabs a rebound in his game against Russia during their men's basketball preliminary round, Group B match at the Basketball Arena during the London 2012 Olympic Games August 4, 2012. [Photo/Agencies]

With just one minute and one second left, Victor Khryapa made a tiebreaking three-pointer before Timofey Mozgov dunked to build a two-point lead for the Russians.

Pau Gasol, who scored 20 points for Spain, then was fouled but missed the first of two free throws with 5.2 seconds left and the Spaniards trailed by one.

Vitaliy Fridzon, who played a key role in Russia's Thursday victory over Brazil, made two clinching free throws with 4.8 seconds remaining to seal victory for Russia.

Fridzon finished with a match-high 24 points.

It is the first time that Spain and Russia meet after the 2007 European Championship final in which Russia won 60-59.

The win ensures Russia will not meet the United States until the gold-medal match if both teams advance in the qualification round.