Au Cu + Sn. If you slept in this morning, you missed Team USA obliterating Brazil in the bronze medal game, 99-59. The hosts were no match for the Americans, who played with a focus and intensity that were lacking in their semi final matchup on Thursday against Russia. Diana Taurasi was on fire, scoring 18 points in the third quarter, 28 total in the game -- and she didn't even play in the fourth period! It was clear early on in the game that Team USA was not going to be denied a medal in this tourney, even if it wasn't the one they had expected. This is the 8th consecutive World Championship in which the Americans have won a medal (or, in the words of sports announcers, who have created verbs that never before existed, it's the 8th in a row in which the USA has medaled).

One consequence of Team USA's not bringing home the gold is that they will have to qualify to play in the 2008 Olympics, despite the fact that they are the defending Olympic champions. The BasketCases think that's not fair, but no one asked us to make the rules. Well, perhaps playing together more in international competition will turn out to be a blessing in disguise (say the BasketCases, trying to make lemons into lemonade).

For now, congratulations to Team USA on their medal!

* * * * * * *
Saturday afternoon update: And congratulations to the Australians, who defeated Russia today to win their first World Championship.