The Women's Basketball team from Australia has claimed the bronze medal after defeating the Russians. With bigtime help from Lauren Jackson, who finished with a double-double after scoring 25 points and grabbing 11 rebounds, Australia beat Russia 83-74.
Helping in the Australian attack was Kristi Harrower who had 20 points and Suzy Batkovic finished with 17 points.
The game was pretty tight in the early going. Australia controlled the lead after the first quarter as the scoreboard read 17-16. Their play in the second quarter gave the team more breathing room as they took a 38-30 lead into the half.
The Russians scored quickly in the second quarter to take the 20-19 lead. Australia went on a brief 7-0 run to take the lead for good.
Australia outscored Russia 21-14 in the quarter, to take the eight-point lead at the half.
The Australians punished the Russians in the third quarter after outscoring them 19-13 in the period to take the 57-43 lead into the final quarter of the game.
Team Australia did a great job of staying in the game despite having 16 turnovers.
Russia's fouling creating points for Australia as they went to the line 28 times and making 19 of their free throws. Russia only took 16 trips to the free throw, making 11 of their shots.
Russia outscored Australia 31-26 in the fourth quarter, but it was too little too late.
With the loss, Russia stands as the odd team out as the Australians claimed third place and the bronze.
