Olympics update: U.S. women's basketball will defend its gold medal

The U.S. women's basketball team defeated Beijing silver medalists Australia 86-73 on Thursday in the semifinals of the London Games.

The game was the U.S.'s toughest yet. The Americans trailed at halftime by four points but outscored the Aussies 22-12 in the third quarter and 21-14 in the fourth quarter to seal the win.

Former Gophers guard Lindsay Whalen played 12 minutes, scoring six points with one assist. Her Minnesota Lynx teammate Maya Moore started and played 19 minutes with nine points and three assists. Another Lynx player, Seimone Augustus, played 16 minutes and scored eight points with one assist.

The Americans will face the winners of Russia and France in the gold medal match Saturday.