4 to Watch: Shot at Gold Up for Grabs

Here are four events to watch in Wednesday's action at the 2016 Rio Olympics

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The U.S. women's water polo team and its roster of USC and UCLA athletes sealed a spot in the medal match when they downed Hungary Wednesday in Rio.

Also Wednesday, the stakes are high at festive Copacabana when a gold medal is on the line in women's beach volleyball, Usain Bolt continues his sprint toward the 200m finals and Team USA enters the knockout rounds in men's hoops.

Here are our 4 to Watch for Wednesday:

[LA GALLERY] Southern California Olympians in Action

1. Women's Beach Volleyball Final

They'll be going bananas at Copacabana for a late-night tilt in the women's beach volleyball final. American beach volleyball legend Kerri Walsh Jennings and new partner April Ross lost in straight sets to Brazil's Agatha and Barbara in the Rio Olympics semifinals, in a game full of back-and-forth rallies and last-ditch digs. 

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The Brazilian women will face Germany’s Laura Ludwig and Kira Walkenhorst in the Gold Medal Match while Walsh Jennings and Ross will play Larissa and Talita of Brazil in the Bronze Medal Match.

WATCH: Live Stream (8 p.m.) | NBC Primetime

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Princeton's Ashleigh Johnson celebrates winning the Women's Water Polo Gold Medal match between the United States and Italy on Day 14 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

2. Hungary for Gold

The United States women's water polo team advanced into the gold medal match with a semifinal victory Wednesday over Hungary. The U.S. team includes Bruins KK Clark, Rachel Fattal, of Seal Beach, Sami Hill, of Santa Barbara, Courtney Mathewson, of Orange, Maddie Musselman, of Newport Beach. They'll join USC’s Kami Craig, of Santa Barbara, and Kaleigh Gilchrist, of Newport Beach, in defense of the gold medal.

The U.S. defeated Hungary 11-6 in a preliminary round matchup. The Americans ran their winning streak over the country in major competitions to eight with Wednesday's 14-10 win. 

The play Italy Friday for the gold medal.

WATCH (12:30 p.m.): Live Stream | NBC

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Usain Bolt of Jamaica points to the sky before winning the Men's 100 meter final on Day 9 of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games at the Olympic Stadium on Aug. 14, 2016, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

3. Ready, Set, Bolt

It's not the final, but it is Usain Bolt, so expect some electricity in the air. Bolt seemingly dials up enough speed whenever he needs it, coasting to a win in his 200m qualifying heat just days after his gold medal performance in the 100m final. He competes in the 200m semifinal Wednesday evening.

WATCH: Live Stream (4:20 p.m.) | NBC Primetime

4. Men's Basketball

After some surprisingly close games in the group stage, Team USA enters the elimination rounds in men's basketball. USC's DeMar DeRozan, of the Raptors, the Clipper's DeAndre Jordan, Golden State guard Klay Thompson, of Los Angeles, and Palmdale's Paul George, now a Pacer, are some of the players with Southern California connections.

They'll join their All-Star teammates in battling a tough Argentina team, which is looking for revenge after being dropped out of the last two Olympics at the hands of the Americans. 

WATCH (2:30 p.m.): Live Stream | NBC Sports Network

Also on Wednesday night:

Women's Long Jump: The 2015 world champion, Tianna Bartoletta, and defending Olympic gold medalist Brittney Reese will contend for medals in the women's long jump for Team USA.

WATCH (4:20 p.m.): Live Stream | NBC Primetime 

Womens 200m Final: First-time Olympian Tori Bowie will challenge for a medal in the women's 200m.

WATCH (4:20 p.m.): Live Stream | NBC Primetime

Women's 100m Hurdles: Three members of Team USA could battle it out for podium spots in the women's 100m hurdles.

WATCH (4:20 p.m.): Live Stream | NBC Primetime

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