USA Women qualify for Beijing Olympics with victory over Cuba
- Submitted by: admin
- International
- North America
- Sports
- 10 / 01 / 2007
Diana Taurasi posted a double-double with 15 points and 12 rebounds as the USA Basketball Women's National Team beat Cuba, 101-71, to capture the 2007 FIBA Americas Championship gold medal.
Four U.S. scorers finished in double digits, including Tina Thompson, who had 18 points and six rebounds, Katie Smith with 15 points and Candace Parker, who chipped in with 12.
The win automatically qualifies the United States team for the 2008 Beijing Olympics.
Suchitel Avila scored a team-high 14 points for Cuba, which came back from a nine-point halftime deficit to upset Brazil, 69-67, on Saturday to reach the final game.
Cuba also got 13 points from Oyanaisy Gelis and 11 from Yakelyn Plutin.
The Americans cruised to a 29-13 lead in the first quarter and built a 49-30 lead at the midpoint.
USA then outscored Cuba, 29-14, in the third quarter and cruised to the final buzzer to claim the gold.
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