By Dave Ryan

 

USA Women came from behind to defeat Australia 86-73 and keep their hopes of a fifth straight Olympic Games gold medal alive on Thursday evening.
 

In a repeat match-up of the last three finals, the Opals had the better of the first half and pushed America all of the way before the tournament favourites wrapped up the win and a place in Saturday’s title game.
 

Tina Charles led the Americans with a 14 point, ten rebound double-double, adding four assists, with Diana Taurasi joining her on 14 points and adding five boards. For Australia, Liz Cambage did most of the damage in the first half with 19 points and seven boards, while Lauren Jackson had a massive 14 point, 17 rebound double-double.
 

France did it the easy way for once as they reached the Olympic Gold Medal game with an 81-64 victory against Russia in the day’s second semi-final.
 

Having won four of their previous six games by four points of less – including a last second overtime victory against GB  - Les Bleus led from tip to buzzer to set up Saturday’s clash with USA.
 

Lawson-Wade had 18 points, three boards and five assists, with Gomis adding 15 points. Becky Hammon, in probably her last game for Russia, led the way with 13 points and five assists while Danilochkina finished with 13 points, five boards and three assists.