Team USA wins the gold

The USA took down Australia 73-56 and took home their third-straight FIBA Women's World Cup gold medal today.

The USA began play with a 10-0 run and kept the lead all the way.

Australian defense held the USA to only 33% field goal shooting, but also committed 24 fouls, which gave the USA 17 points in free throws.

But USA defense (primarily Brittney Griner) held Liz Cambage (the tournament's leading scorer with 23.8 points per game) to just seven points on 20% shooting and three free throws.

With Cambage stifled, Australia called on its bench.

Alanna came in for 18 minutes and responded with the team-high 10 points, two blocks, an assist and a steal.

Nneka was not a major factor in the USA's victories, but, as one of the game commentators said today, "She played her role as center off the bench to perfection." For the tournament she averaged 7.5 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 0.8 assists in 15 minutes per game.

Breanna Stewart officially is MVP of Everything after winning the Tissot MVP of the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2018 trophy, and she was joined in the All-Star Five by Diana Taurasi, Astou Ndour (Spain), Emma Meesseman (Belgium), and Liz Cambage. Honorable mention, Brittney Griner, was TCL Player of the Game in the Final.

USA crowned world champions for third time in a row, secure Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games ticket, FIBA game report.

U.S. women beat Australia to win third straight World Cup title, Associated Pres game report.

USA Downs Australia to Claim Third-Straight FIBA World Cup Gold, USA Basketball game report.

Silver medal caps incredible FIBA World Cup campaign for ... Opals, Basketball Australia game report.