U.S. women’s team secures place at 2008 Olympics.

Led by Tina Thompson and Diana Taurasi, the U.S. women’s team defeated Cuba 101-71 to win the gold medal at the FIBA Americas tournament in Valdivia, Chile. The U.S. women’s team ended the tournament undefeated with a 5-0 record and secured their place at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.

Having narrowly beaten Cuba in the opening round, the U.S. broke out to an early 16-0 lead in the final and never looked back. Tina Thompson led the U.S. team with a game-high 18 points, and Diana Taurasi contributed a double-double – 15 points, 12 rebounds – in the winning effort. Katie Smith finished with 15 points and four assists.