Olympic Games Final Standings  1. USA 8-0   2. Australia 7-1   3. Russia 6-2   4. China 5-3   5. Spain 3-3   6. Belarus 2-4   7. Czech Repu. 2-4   8. S.Korea 2-4   9. Latvia 1-4   10. N.Zealand 1-4   11. Brazil 1-4   12. Mali 0-5  Olympic Games Standings Group A  1. Australia 5-0   2. Russia 4-1   3. Belarus 2-3   4. S.Korea 2-3   5. Latvia 1-4   6. Brazil 1-4  Group B  1. USA 5-0   2. China 4-1   3. Spain 3-2   4. Czech Repu. 2-3   5. N.Zealand 1-4   6. Mali 0-5  Points Per Game  Li Jie MIAO   (180-G-81)   Avg: 17.9  1. Miao, CHN 17.9   2. Jackson, AUS 17.3   3. Jekabsone-Z., LAT 15.8   4. Marino, NZL 15.8   5. Chen, CHN 14.9   6. Montanana, ESP 14.5   7. Beon, KOR 14.2   8. Leuchanka, BLR 13.8   9. Fowles, USA 13.4   10. Valdemoro, ESP 13.0  Rebounds Per Game  Yelena LEUCHANKA   BLR   (196-C-83)   Avg: 10  1. Leuchanka, BLR 10.0   2. Sissoko, MLI 10.0   3. Batkovic, AUS 8.9   4. Jackson, AUS 8.6   5. Fowles, USA 8.4   6. Verameyenka, BLR 8.3   7. Diawara, MLI 8.0   8. Chen, CHN 7.5   9. Vesela, CZE 7.5   10. Leslie, USA 7.0  Assists Per Game  Kristi HARROWER   AUS   (166-G-75)   Avg: 4.4  1. Harrower, AUS 4.4   2. Jekabsone-Z., LAT 4.0   3. Marchanka, BLR 3.7   4. Lawson, USA 3.0   5. Machova, CZE 3.0   6. Pinto, BRA 2.8   7. Song, CHN 2.6   8. Miao, CHN 2.6   9. Taurasi, USA 2.4   10. Park, KOR 2.3 Steals Per Game  Mi Sun LEE   (175-G-79)   Avg: 3.8  1. Lee, KOR 3.8   2. Valdemoro, ESP 3.0   3. Song, CHN 2.4   4. Montanana, ESP 2.3   5. Taylor, AUS 2.1   6. Machova, CZE 2.0   7. Bird, USA 1.8   8. Catchings, USA 1.8   9. Bevilaqua, AUS 1.8   10. Vesela, CZE 1.7 Blocks Per Game  Anastasiya VERAMEYENKA   BLR   (191-F/C-87)   Avg: 2.3  1. Verameyenka, BLR 2.3   2. Osipova, RUS 1.4   3. Chen, CHN 1.4   4. Leslie, USA 1.4   5. Vesela, CZE 1.3   6. Coulibaly, MLI 1.0   7. Vecerova, CZE 1.0   8. Fowles, USA 0.9   9. Kulichova, CZE 0.8   10. Jackson, AUS 0.8

Lisa Leslie leads the USA to the 4th consecutive Olympic Games title (Photo: Basket News)

Diana Taurasi lifts the USA into Olympic Games Final (Photo: Basket News)

   Finals results and stats - Aug. 23, 2008
Championship Game
USA - Australia 92:65
The United States National Team celebrated their fourth straight Olympic Gold today. They prevailed over Australia in the mouth-watering final clash today. The Opals looked forward to snapping three-game losing streak against the USA in the Olympic Games championship games. However the USA proved they are the best team in the world at the moment. Kara Lawson (173-G-81, college: Tennessee) scored 15 points in her first Olympiad Final appearance to pace the USA to an overwhelming victory. Lisa Leslie (196-C-72, college: USC) and Candace Parker (193-F/C-86, college: Tennessee) secured 14 points apiece for the winners. Penny Taylor healed her injury and could play for Australia in the game. But neither she nor Lauren Jackson (196-F/C-81) could hold off the striking US squad. The North American powerhouse looked better in every facet of the encounter and deservedly posted a 7-point advantage at the first intermission. Australia failed to deny the deficit in the second period. Moreover the USA stretched the margin to 17 points at halftime. Balanced offense helped the North American side to keep Australia at safe distance throughout the third period. Lauren Jackson and Belinda Snell (182-F-81, agency: LBM Management) lifted Aussies to 24:22 win in the quarter but it was not enough to spark the intrigue. Unstoppable USA team limited Australia to just 11 points in the final stanza and sealed the triumphant win. Sylvia Fowles posted 13 points for the winners. Lauren Jackson answered with game-high 20 points and 10 boards. Belinda Snell added 15 points, while Suzy Batkovic had 8 points and 9 rebounds in the loss. The USA sank 58% from the field, while limiting Australia to woeful 25% accuracy. The winners also sank 85% from the stripe and pulled down 41 rebounds.

USA: Kara Lawson 15, Lisa Leslie 14, Candace Parker 14
Australia: Lauren Jackson 20+10 boards, Belinda Snell 15

Bronze medals game
Russia - China 94:81
Russian National Team completed their Olympic Games basketball tournament with a confident victory over China. Russia looked better during the game and deservedly registered the win that brought them the bronze medals of the Olympiad. The lead changed for a couple of times throughout the opening frame before Maria Stepanova (202-C-79), Tatiana Shchegoleva (193-F/C-82) and Ilona Korstine sealed the outcome at 24:23 for Russia. Chen Xiaoli and Feifei Sui opened the second period with 4 straight points and China regained the lead. However Russia capped the first half with a 21:11 rally to accumulate a 52:39 advantage at the interval. Rebecca Hammon (168-G-77, college: Colorado St.) and Maria Stepanova tipped off the third frame with 5 straight points as Russia stretched the margin to 18 points. China refused to fold and came as close as 11 points from the visitors. However Ilona Korstine and Oxana Rakhmatulina crowned the frame and Russia entered the fourth quarter up by 15 points. Bian Lan (182-G-86) tried to reignite the intrigue in the game cutting the distance to 12 points in the fourth quarter but Russia withstood. Rebecca Hammon and Tatiana Shchegoleva were accurate from the stripe in the final seconds and Russia celebrated an impressive win at the end. Rebecca Hammon topscored with 22 points for Russia. Tatiana Shchegoleva and Maria Stepanova provided 15 points apiece for the winners. Chen Nan (197-C-83) answered with game-high 26 points for the hosts. Bian Lan added 17 points, while Miao Li Jie had 16 in defeat. Russia sank solid 53% from beyond the arc and outrebounded their opponents 34:28. They also suffered only 8 turnovers down the stretch.

Russia: Rebecca Hammon 22, Tatiana Shchegoleva 15, Maria Stepanova 15
China: Chen Nan 26, Bian Lan 17

   Semifinals results and stats - Aug. 21, 2008
USA - Russia 67:52
The USA National Team booked their Final birth at the Olympic Games basketball tournament. The United States team celebrated their 6th straight win at the tournament today. They defeated Russia in a tense semifinal clash to advance to the title decider. There they will take on the winner of Australia vs. China encounter. Russia looked determined early in the game as they built a 7-point advantage early on. The North American team cut the deficit to 3 points at the first intermission 13:16. The USA kept it close in the second frame and managed to surge ahead 33:32 at the interval. Russia regained the advantage at the start of the third quarter 37:33 but the USA reacted immediately. They went on a 12:0 run to establish a decisive advantage. Diana Taurasi (182-G-82, college: Connecticut) paced the American players as they ran away in this one. The USA entered the fourth quarter with an 8-point buffer. Russia failed to come closer in the fourth period and the USA sealed the tough victory at the end. Diana Taurasi finished the game with 21 points and 9 boards. Tina Thompson (6'2''-F-75, agency: Merit Sports, college: USC) added 15 points, while Sylvia Fowles (6'6''-C-85, college: LSU) had 8 points and 10 boards for the winners. Maria Stepanova (6'8''-C-79) answered with 14 points for Russia. Tatiana Shchegoleva (6'4''-F/C-82) had 12 points, while Ilona Korstine (6'0''-G-80) secured 11 points in defeat.
The USA outrebounded their opponents 52:33 and limited Russia to 36% from the field. Russian players also sank just half of their free throw attempts.

USA: Diana Taurasi 21, Tina Thompson 15, Sylvia Fowles 8+10 boards
Russia: Maria Stepanova 14, Tatiana Shchegoleva 12, Ilona Korstine 11

Australia - China 90:56 The World champions Australia secured their birth in the championship game of the Olympic Games Basketball tournament in China. Earlier today they dismantle hosting China to reach the title decider. China fought bravely however could not keep it up with the Opals during the whole game. The teams looked well matched in the first period as Chinese players tried to answer every basket from the favorites. Chen Xiaoli (193-C-82) capped the quarter with a jumper and the hosts trailed by only 2 points 11:13. However the Aussies opened the second frame on a 7:0 run to clear off. Australia also finished the half strongly outscoring China 12:2 in the final 4 minutes to accumulate a 16-point buffer before the second half. Chen Nan (197-C-83) and Miao Li Jie (180-G-81) tried to reignite the intrigue early in the third frame. They cut the deficit to 13 points but the Opals mounted the pressure and Suzy Batkovic (193-C-80), Kristi Harrower (166-G-75) and Belinda Snell (182-F-81, agency: LBM Management) made it 57:39 for the visitors at three-quarter time. Australia used a 12:0 rally midway through the fourth stanza to ensure the winning outcome and the ticket to the main game of the tournament. Belinda Snell led 5 players to score in double figures for Australia with 16 points. Kristi Harrower added 14 points, while Lauren Jackson (196-F/C-81) had 11 points for the Penny Taylor-less Australia. Bian Lan (182-G-86) topscored with 20 points for China. Miao Li Jie added 10 points in defeat. Australia shot 52% from the field, while limiting China to only 31% accuracy. The Opals also dominated the boards with 56 caroms and forced the home team to as many as 20 turnovers.

Australia: Belinda Snell 16, Kristi Harrower 14, Lauren Jackson 11
China: Bian Lan 20, Miao Li Jie 10

   Quarterfinals results and stats - Aug. 19, 2008
Russia - Spain 84:65
Russian National Team came from behind to nip Spain in the last quarterfinal of the day at the Olympic Games basketball tournament. The game was a rematch of the last EuroBasket Final and Russia denied Spanish team a chance to avenge of the loss. Russia recovered after a stunning first quarter to come up strong in the second half and seal the winning outcome. Spain got to a storming start to the game. They outscored Russia 21:10 to accumulate a comfortable lead. Russia were down by 16 points in the second quarter however managed to come back to life. They European champions trimmed the deficit to 8 points at halftime. Spain stayed in front for some time in the third period before Rebecca Hammon (168-G-77, college: Colorado St.) stepped up for Russia. She nailed 5 points in a 9:0 rally that put Russia ahead 50:49. Russian team entered the fourth period ahead by one 56:55. However the intrigue did not live for long in this one. Russia whipped out Spain 28:10 in the fourth quarter and celebrated an impressive win at the end. Tatiana Shchegoleva (193-F/C-82) knocked down 19 points and 7 boards for Russia. Rebecca Hammon nailed 17 points, while Maria Stepanova (202-C-79) had 12 points and 10 boards for the winners. Amaya Valdemoro (184-F-76) replied with 16 points for Spain. Ana Montanana (186-F-80, college: George Washington) added 13 points in defeat. Russia dominated on the boards 40:29 and forced Spain into 16 turnovers. Russia sank 49% from the field, while Spain answered with 40% accuracy. Russia will now take on the USA on Thursday.

Russia: Tatiana Shchegoleva 19, Rebecca Hammon 17, Maria Stepanova 12+10 boards
Spain: Amaya Valdemoro 16, Ana Montanana 13
Australia - Czech Republic 79:46
Australian National Team had no problems...

   Day 5 results and stats - Aug. 17, 2008
Group A
Australia - Russia 75:55
Australia and Russia clashed in the fifth round of Olympic Games basketball tournament today. In the rematch of the 2006 World Championship Final Australia once again prevailed despite slow start to the game. The Opals now claimed the top spot in Group A. Russia got to an overwhelming start as Rebecca Hammon (168-G-77, college: Colorado St.) led the charge. She nailed 16 points in the first two quarters and Russian team enjoyed a 16-point advantage late in the second stanza. Russia rolled to a 37:25 advantage at halftime. However the Opals were not about to fold. They went off the dressing room firing on all cylinders. The Aussies opened the second half with a 16:4 run to tie the score at 41. Lauren Jackson (196-F/C-81) later came up with a three-pointer to set the Opals in charge. Australia outscored Russia 30:10 in the third frame to gain an 8-point advantage before the fourth term. The things never brightened up for Russia in the fourth period as balanced Australian offense sealed the deal giving the Opals their 5th straight win at the tournament. Belinda Snell (182-F-81, agency: LBM Management) and Lauren Jackson secured 16 points apiece. Penny Taylor (185-F-81) added 12 points for the winners. Rebecca Hammon answered with game-high 20 points for Russia. Svetlana Abrosimova (188-F-80, college: Connecticut) delivered 16 points and 9 boards in defeat. Australia outrebounded their opponents 53:36 and limited Russia to 33% accuracy from the field.

Australia: Belinda Snell 16, Lauren Jackson 16+14 boards, Penny Taylor 12
Russia: Rebecca Hammon 20, Svetlana Abrosimova 16

South Korea - Latvia 72:68
South Korean National team posted a key victory in their Olympic Games basketball tournament preliminary action. They held off Latvia to clinch the fourth spot in Group A. It was a must-win battle for both teams as they hoped to jump into the last train heading to the playoffs. Latvia got to a better start to the game. They maintained a 22:20 lead after the starting frame. But Korea opened the second frame on a 9:0 rally to surge in front. The Asian powerhouse sealed the first half leading 42:35. Latvia struggled offensively at the moment and the third quarter did not bring much relief for the European side. Korea dominated at the moment and entered the fourth term up by 16 points. Korea widened the distance to 17 points early in the fourth quarter and it seemed like they were en route to an easy victory. But Latvia refused to surrender. Anete Jekabsone-Zogota (176-F-83) and USA-Spain 93:55

USA reached the fourth consecutive victory in Olympics today. Spain however was too good in the first half trailing only 5 points to the favorites. USA proved the ambitions in the second and won 93:55. Tina Thompson (6'2''-F-75, agency: Merit Sports, college: USC) paced the winners with 17 points. Lisa Leslie (6'5''-C-72, college: USC) collected 14 points and 11 rebounds, while Candace Parker (6'4''-F/C-86, college: Tennessee) added 13. Amaya Valdemoro (6'1''-F-76) top-scored for the European team with 17 points. Ana Montanana (6'1''-F-80, college: George Washington) and Martinez Prat followed her with 10 each as Spain is 2-2 in Group B.
It was a great start of the game where Spain team was a good and tough opponent. When you play with USA Dream Team every point in the game is a success. Spain trailed only 17:22 after the opening quarter. The second period became even better for the European squad. They evened the quarter 17:17, but trailed 34:39 at halftime.
In the second half USA dominated the court. If the team set the task to win the Olympics, they can't lose games or points in the Group stage. Even though Amaya Valdemoro was too good tonight Tina Thompson's 17 points were more proficient. USA won the third quarter 23:10 to have 18 points advantage after 30 minutes of the game. Another 31:11 was the last drop in the second loss for the European squad. USA won the game 93:55 and increased to 4-0 record.

USA:Tina Thompson 17, Lisa Leslie 14+11 rebs, Candace Parker 13
Spain:Amaya Valdemoro 17, Ana Montanana 10, Martinez Prat 10
Russia - Brazil 74:64
Russian National Team stayed perfect en route to the Olympic glory. They defeated Brazil today to improve to 4-0 record in Group A. They will now face undefeated Australia to decide on the winner in the pool. Brazil in the meantime suffered their 4th straight defeat and remained at the bottom of the standings. Brazil opened the game confidently and looked as if they were for<

   Day 1 results and stats - Aug. 9, 2008
Australia - Belarus 83:64

The World champions Australia got to a winning start of their Olympic Games tournament campaign. They crushed Belarus in Group A got the first win in the competition. Lauren Jackson (196-F/C-81) secured 18 points and 10 boards to pace the Opals. Suzy Batkovic (193-C-80) had 14 points and 12 boards, while Laura Summerton (191-C-83, agency: LBM Management) and Penny Taylor (185-F-81) added 12 points apiece for the winners. Yelena Leuchanka (196-C-83, college: W.Virginia) answered with 13 points and 10 boards for Belarus. Tatyana Troina (188-C-81, college: S.Carolina) secured 13 points in a losing case. Australia are the obvious #1 contenders in Beijing this year. And they proved their ambitions today. Aussies fueled a 14:6 rally midway through the starting period and enjoyed a 19:12 lead at the first intermission. The Opals stepped on the gas in the second quarter and cleared off to a 16-point distance at the interval. Belarus refused to give up and cut the deficit for a couple of times throughout the second half. However Australia never allowed their European opponents closer than 10 points and secured a confident victory at the end. Australia had a slight advantage on the glass with 48 rebounds. They forced Belarus to 19 turnovers and shot 41% from the field. Belarus replied with 31% accuracy. Australia will take on Brazil, while Belarus will face Latvia on Monday.

Australia: Lauren Jackson 18+10 boards, Suzy Batkovic 14+12 boards, Laura Summerton 12, Penny Taylor 12
Belarus: Yelena Leuchanka 13+10 boards, Tatyana Troina 13

New Zealand - Mali 76:72
New Zealand Women National Team scored a narrow victory over Mali at the start of the Olympic Games tournament