By Dave Ryan

 

USA’s Women won a fifth straight gold medal as they demolished France 86-50 at North Greenwich Arena on Saturday evening,

 

Candace Parker led the champions with 21 points, while Sandrine Gruda and Edwige Lawson-Wade top scored for France with 12

 

Both sides had gone into the game with perfect 7-0 record, but Team USA took control in the third period and never looked back on their way to another title.

 

Earlier in the day Australia had made up for the disappointment of Thursday’s loss against USA to take the bronze medal with an 83-74 victory against Russia.

 

Kristi Harrower led the Aussies with 21 points, while Suzy Batkovic shined with 17 points and eight boards. Becky Hammon led the Russians with 19 points and four assists.

 

The Opals had gone into the tournament as favourites to meet the Americans in the final, but a group stage loss against France saw them drop into USA’s half of the draw, and their run of three straight finals came to an end.