07/07/07. Lucky 7s.

Playing in their 7th game of the FIBA World Championship today, the USA U21 (divisible by 7!) team faced the host team, Russia, in the semifinals. The game didn't start off looking so lucky for the Americans, as Russia raced out to a double-digit lead after a 13-0 run. But the USA team answered (did they ever!) with a 22-0 run of their own, transforming a 1-point lead by Russia at the end of the first period (19-18) into a 15-point USA lead at the half (40-25).

Fortunately, the USA's luck held throughout the second half, as the American's cruised to an easy win, 86-61. The Cardinal's Candice Wiggins shot exceptionally well, hitting more than 58% of her shots and leading all scorers with 27 points. Maryland's own Crystal Langhorne led all rebounders with 10 boards; she also finished 2nd in scoring, adding 12 points for another double-double. Laura Harper also added 8 points and 5 rebounds for the Americans.

With today's win, the USA team advances to the Finals tomorrow against the winner of today's matchup between France and Australia. The game will be played at 10 a.m. EDT (6 p.m. in Moscow). While there won't be a webcast, you can follow the play by play and stats live on line from the Go Live feature on the left side of the FIBA website.

U-S-A!!! U-S-A!!! Here's hoping that 07/08/07 also turns out to be a lucky day for the Americans, as two Terps and their teammates go for the Gold!