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James Harden, Team USA earn men's basketball gold


James Harden
August 13, 2012

Sun Devil James Harden earned the second gold medal for Arizona State in the 2012 Summer Olympics as Team USA beat Spain in the men's basketball final, Aug. 12, in London.

Harden hit two free throws late as Spain closed the gap to six with under a minute to play.

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PHOTO GALLERY: James Harden at Arizona State
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He joins women's soccer player Amy LePeilbet on the gold medal list, as LePeilbet earned gold for the women's soccer team. It marked the first time two Sun Devils earned gold medals in the Olympics since 2000, when USA pole vaulter Nick Hysong and 200 breastroke champion Agnes Kovacs (Hungary) took home top honors. Harden and LePeilbet join Justin Huish (United States Archery, 1996) and Joe Caldwell (Men's Basketball, 1964) as Sun Devil gold medalists in team sports.

It marked the 14th gold medal for Team USA in men's hoops, including the third gold medal win over Spain (2012, 2008 and 1984).

See list of Sun Devil medalists in Olympic history.