For the second consecutive game the U.S. women’s basketball team played a first half tighter than many anticipated. And for the second straight game, Geno Auriemma’s team used stifling defense to turn a close game into a comfortable victory.
The U.S. limited France to just eight points in the third quarter, outscoring them by 17 points on their way to the 86-67 victory. As a result they’ll play for a sixth consecutive Olympic gold medal Saturday, with Spain being the opposition. Diana Taurasi led five Americans in double figures with 18 points, with the team also being better offensively in the second half as they played without starting point guard Sue Bird.