Jackson leads Aussie women to basketball final

Add as a preferred source on Google

Sydney: Australia stormed on Thursday into their first gold medal game in Olympic women's basketball, with a convincing 64-52 win over 1996 silver medallists Brazil.

Teenage sensation Lauren Jackson dazzled the Brazilians inside the keyway and from the perimeter, bagging 7-of-13 from the field for 16 points, grabbing nine rebounds, blocking one shot and making one steal

''It was a struggle out there, it really was a battle,'' the 19-year-old Jackson told reporters. ''They are a tough team and play a physical game and I expect we will see a similar game for the gold medal,'' she said

''We should be able to relax now that we've got to the final. Our goal all along has been to win gold and now we put ourselves in that position,'' Australian forward Jenny Whittle said.

Two crucial three-pointers from Australian captain Michele Timms and Jackson helped Australia recover from a slump midway through the second half in which Brazil came within four points.

But it was Australian guard Sandy Brondello who captured the vocal home crowd cheers after scoring the first six points of the clash for Australia, finishing the game also with 16 points.



(c) Reuters Limited.