By: BRIAN MAHONEY (AP)
LONDONCopyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
51.5085-0.12574

LONDON (AP) — Marc Gasol scored 14 points, brother Pau had two huge blocked shots down the stretch and Spain nearly pitched a shutout over the final 6:50 to beat France 66-59 on Wednesday and advance to the semifinals in Olympic men's basketball.

Juan Carlos Navarro added 12 points and Pau Gasol 10 for the Spanish, the 2008 silver medalists who advance to play Russia on Friday.

Trailing 57-54 after Nicolas Batum's basket with 6:51 to play, Spain didn't allow another point until Mickael Gelabale's meaningless jumper with 5.5 seconds remaining, ending a two-game losing streak.

Tony Parker and Boris Diaw each scored 15 points for France, which grew frustrated at the finish and committed two unsportsmanlike fouls in the final half-minute.