Leslie, U.S. Women Win Fourth Consecutive Gold

Lisa Leslie said she wanted the U.S. women to continue its dominance of the rest of the world in the Olympics. But in order for Leslie to become the first basketball player to win four consecutive Olympic gold medals, her team had to put away an old foe, Australia.

The Americans defeated Australia in the gold medal game for the third time in a row, 92-65, and weren't challenged after the first period. The U.S. won its 33rd consecutive Olympic game - and 32nd with Leslie in the lineup. Leslie has been on the national team since 1996 and in her final Olympic game, she had 14 points before fouling out with 6 minutes, 33 seconds left in the fourth quarter with the U.S. leading by 21 points.

Alexandria native Kara Lawson (13 points) helped turn around the game by scoring the first six points of a 24-4 first half run that gave the U.S. a 34-17 lead. Leslie was determined to keep her string of consecutive Olympic wins alive, and she was willing to do whatever it took. She hit her first five shots, fought for rebounds and even dove to the ground to wrestle free a loose a ball. Leslie then turned and fed Cappy Pondexter for an open jump shot.

Center Lauren Jackson hit two free throws to bring Australia got within 12 points, but Lawson ended the first half with a driving layup and a three-pointer to put her team ahead 47-30 at the break.

The U.S. took advantage of an Australia team that wasn't at full strength. Jackson and forward Penny Taylor both were dealing with serious ankle injuries. Jackson is expected to have surgery next week. Taylor sprained her ankle in the quarterfinals and returned after missing the previous game against China. Taylor went 0-for-5 in the first half, when Australia shot just 22 percent (8-for-37) from the floor. Jackson fouled out with a game-high 20 points.

Even at its best, Australia would've had a tough time changing the outcome of a game where the Americans got contributions from almost every player Coach Anne Donovan put on the floor. Candace Parker also had 14 points to tie Leslie for the team lead.

By Michael Lee  |  August 23, 2008; 11:37 AM ET  | Category:  Basketball
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Posted by: Alexandria Native | August 23, 2008 5:08 PM

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