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USA use second half muscle to down Australia 86-73; Clinch a spot in Gold Medal game – Olympics Women Basketball Recap

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USA use second half muscle to down Australia 86-73; Clinch a spot in Gold Medal game – Olympics Women Basketball Recap
The US women basketball team made a place for themselves in the gold medal game of the London Olympics by defeating Australia 86-73in the first semifinal on Thursday.
Staring at a 4 point deficit at the end of the first half, Americans out played the Aussies in the second to clinch the victory.
Diana Taurasi was again the leading scorer for team USA, finishing with 14 points and 5 rebounds. She was only 2 of 7 from the field, but went 8 of 9 from the foul line. Tina Charles also finished with 14 points, and added 10 rebounds
for the night to record a double-double.
Liz Cambage continued her spectacular form at the Olympics, scoring a game high 19 points and 7 rebounds. Lauren Jackson had a huge night as well; one which she finished with 14 points and a game-high 17 rebounds for the night,
as she along with Cambage attempted to spoil the party for the Americans.
There was not much to separate the two sides early on, with 4 ties in the first five minutes and five seconds of action. After Sue Bird had put the Americans up by two, Jackson scored a deuce to tie the score at 14.
A two point shot by Suzy Batkovic gave the Aussies the lead for the first time in the game, and two free throws by Cambage extended it to 18-14. The US side came right back, with Candace Parker tying the game at 18 with a two pointer.
Australia led 22-20 at the end of the first period.
Kristi Harrower nailed a three pointer early in the second period to keep the Aussies ahead. A two point shot by Sue Bird followed by two free throws by Tameka Catchings however tied the game at 32.
Australia replied with 7 straight points, and extended their lead to 39-32. They did a good job to close the first half still leading by 47-43.
USA took back the lead in the opening minute of the third period through a two point shot by Charles, and Parker’s two-pointer a while later gave them a 55-51 advantage. The US side then kicked into the top gear to run away with
a 65-59 lead at the end of the period.
Six straight points from the American women in the final period, opened up the lead to 73-62, and a three pointer by Bird gave them a 76-64 advantage. The Aussies were unable to make a strong run at the lead from there on as team
USA put up a consistent offense to maintain the lead and close the game with a comfortable 86-73 victory.
USA will now take on either France or Russia in the gold medal game of the Olympics on Saturday.

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