LONDON (AP) — Tina Charles and Diana Taurasi scored 14 points apiece and the U.S. women’s basketball team cranked up its defense in the second half to beat Australia 86-73 on Thursday and advanced to a fifth straight gold medal game.
The Americans, who had cruised through their first six Olympic games, were challenged by the Australians and 6-foot-8 Liz Cambage.
Australia went right at the U.S. behind its budding star, but once again the Americans depth and pressure defense wore down another opponent.
After Cambage scored 19 first-half points, the U.S. held her scoreless the rest of the game.
