Aussies Stop Brazil to Reach Final

Youngster Lauren Jackson and limping veteran Michele Timms carried Australia into its first women’s basketball gold-medal game with a 64-52 victory over Brazil today in front of 14,698 at the SuperDome, with former swimming champion Dawn Fraser leading athletes in the “Aussie, Aussie, Aussie” cheer in the stands.

Strains of “Alleluia” played on the public-address system after the horn, and Australia’s Jo Hill walked on her hands in celebration.

Australia--which won its first bronze in 1996--can do no worse than silver Saturday when it faces the winner of the other semifinal between the U.S. and South Korea.

Jackson, the versatile 19-year-old star who is expected to be the No. 1 pick in the next WNBA draft, scored 16 points despite early foul trouble after Australia jumped to an 11-0 lead behind the shooting of guard Sandy Brondello, who also scored 16.

Brazil fought back to four points back midway through the second half behind Janeth Arcain, who plays for the Houston Comets.

But Australia went on an 8-0 run, igniting the crowd when Timms--a 35-year-old Phoenix Mercury star who is still recovering from knee surgery--knocked down a three-pointer followed quickly by another by Jackson.