Olympic basketball: Australia thrashes Russia for women`s bronze

London: Australia`s women dominated Russia throughout to win basketball bronze Saturday, beating the Russians 83-74.

The Australians held the lead 17-16 at the end of a largely even first quarter and kept it throughout from that point on, leading 57-43 at the end of third before the Australians eased off, allowing Russia to take the fourth 31-26. Lauren Jackson top-scored with 25 points, making the double-double with 11 rebounds, while her teammate Kristi Harrower racked up 21 points. Naturalized American Becky Hammon was the top scorer for Russia with 19. The US face France later Saturday in the final. IANS