Women’s basketball: United States vs. Australia

United States’ Candace Parker, left, gets a loose ball against Australia’s Rachel Jarry in their semifinal game on Thursday. (Larry W. Smith / EPA)

Aug. 9, 2012 12:37 PM PT

The U.S. defeated Australia 86-73 in their semifinal basketball game Thursday, winning the Americans a ticket to Saturday’s gold medal match.

Australia’s center Elizabeth Cambage, left, challenges United States’ guard Diana Taurasi during the semifinal game. (Mark Ralston / Associated Press)

Players of the United States challenge Australia’s center Lauren Jackson for the ball during Thursday’s semifinal game. (Mark Ralston / Associated Press)

Australia’s Belinda Snell, center, and USA’s Tamika Catchings, left, crash during a semifinal women’s basketball game. (Eric Gay / Associated Press)

Australia’s Jennifer Screen, center, holds her face after she was hit in the eye during the game. (Eric Gay / Associated Press)

United States’ Angel McCoughtry, left, sails to the basket past Australia’s Belinda Snell. (Victor R. Caivano / Associated Press)