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MOSCOW REGION (2007 FIBA U21 World Championship for Women) - The Australian Under 21 women's basketball team, the Sapphires have progressed to the gold medal game at the 2007 U21 FIBA World championship for Women after a determined 88–81 win over France in the semi-finals at the SK Vidnoje Hall in Vidnoje, Russia last night.

The Sapphires will face off against the United States in the gold medal game on Sunday.

The Sapphires suffered a narrow two point loss to the USA in the opening game of the tournament last week.

defencejobs Opals squad member Jenna O'Hea scored 21 points to go with 8 rebounds and six assists to lead the Sapphires with Bendigo Spirit point guard Kathleen McLeod contributing 13 points and 8 assists and Adelaide Lightning guard Renae Camino also tallying 13 points.

18-year-old sensations Cayla Francis and Abby Bishop posted 12 point, 12 rebound and 12 point and 10 rebound double-doubles respectively.

Sandrine Gruda scored a game high 28 points to lead France Nwal Miyem adding 23 points.

The Sapphires continued their first quarter tournament dominance, jumping to a strong 25-14 first term lead.

The French responded with a powerful 23-9 second quarter win to hold a 37-34 half time lead.

Determined team play saw the Sapphires regain the lead in the third term, which they won 27-22.

The Sapphires continued the high scoring game winning the final term 27-22 to post a gutsy 7 point win.

Basketball Australia