FIBA U17W - USA wear down Australians to reach Semis

Amsterdam (2012 FIBA U17 World Championship for Women) - Reigning champions United States out-lasted a strong effort by Australia to win 89-68 and book their spot in the Semi-Finals of the 2012 FIBA U17 World Championship for Women.

Diamond DeShields collected 19 points, 5 rebounds and 4 blocks while Mercedes Russell had 18 points, 14 rebounds and 3 blocks and Linnae Harper added 13 points, 11 rebounds and 8 steals for the undefeated Americans, who next face Canada in the Semis.

Team USA finished with 16 blocks and out-rebounded the Australians 67-58.

Australia, who will take on the Netherlands in the 5-8 classification games, were led by Tiana Mangakahia with 21 points while Abigail Wehrung scored 19 points and Louise Brown collected 4 points, 11 rebounds and 2 steals. Vanessa Panousis chipped in 6 points, 6 assists and 5 rebounds in the loss.

Australia opened a seven-point lead and were up 14-7 when the Americans took a timeout. The Oceania champions remained resilient and led 24-19 after 10 minutes.

The advantage was still 27-20 when DeShields finally scored her first points for the game. Australia were still up 35-33 before Team USA closed the half on an 8-2 run for a 41-37 cushion at the break.

The USA came out strong in the third quarter and finally opened a double-digit lead at 52-41. Australia cut the gap down to 54-47 but then the Americans just pulled away. It was 65-51 after three quarters and the lead grew to 23 points in the fourth.

FIBA