Australia on to challenge US, China eliminated

(BEIJING, August 21) -- Australia and the USA will battle for Women's Basketball Gold after Australia cruised to a 90-56 victory over China in the semifinal round at the Olympic Basketball Gymnasium on Thursday, August 22.

Belinda Snell's team-high 16 points paced Australia as the Opals began the match without star forward Penny Taylor. The 2006 world championship MVP injured an ankle in Australia's quarterfinal demolition of the Czech Republic.

Australia took a slim two-point lead into the first break, but it was not until the second quarter that they were able to assert their dominance. The frontline of Lauren Jackson, Suzy Batkovic, Snell and Laura Summerton began to create second-chance opportunities off the glass to give the Opals a 34-18 lead at the main break.

Their dominance in the paint continued in the final two quarters, although China was well served by Bian Lan's game-high 20 points and captain Miao Lijie's 10.

It was Australia's rebounding advantage of 56-34, however, that was the key to their lead blowing out to the eventual 34-point margin of victory.

Kristi Harrower of Australia had 14 points and eight rebounds alongside Batkovic's 10-point, 13-board haul as five Opals scored in double figures.

The world champions will take on three-time defending Olympic champions USA in a replay of the past two Olympic finals in Sydney and Athens.

Before the gold medal, China will take on Russia for the bronze. Both matches will be played on Saturday, August 23.