Novosel flurry helps U.S. women advance to World University finals

SHENZHEN, China — Elena Delle Donne had 22 points and 11 rebounds and Skylar Diggins added 17 points to lead the United States to a 79-67 win Friday over Australia in the semifinals of the World University Games.

Lexington Catholic graduate Natalie Novosel started the game for the U.S. and finished with six important points, two rebounds and a steal in 14 minutes of action.

The U.S. (5-0) will face Taiwan in the gold-medal game on Sunday. The Americans had cruised through their first four games winning by an average of 55 points. They had a tougher time against Australia.

The Americans led only 31-27 at the half, and was still within 43-38 late in the third quarter when Novosel went to work.

Novosel, who plays for NCAA runner-up Notre Dame along with Diggins, drove to the basket, was fouled and made the free throw to extend the U.S. lead to 46-38. The next U.S. possession, Novosel made a three-pointer to make it 49-38 with 3:11 left in the third quarter.

Nicole Hunt scored 18 points to lead Australia (4-1).

This story was originally published August 19, 2011 at 2:53 PM with the headline "Novosel flurry helps U.S. women advance to World University finals."