Australian Liz Cambage’s dunk in win over Russia is first for women’s basketball in Olympic history
Australian 20-year-old center Liz Cambage became the first woman to dunk in Olympic history in a 70-66 victory over previously unbeaten Russia at the 2012 London Games. [Video]
At 6:18 in the third quarter, Cambage received a pass at the top of the key and headed to the basket for a dunk, giving her team at 39-33 lead. The Opals’ bench went wild and for a few minutes the Russian team seemed to deflate.
The Opals maintained a slim lead for much of the game before beginning to pull away in the fourth quarter. However, Russia fought back and with less than 50 seconds left in the game, came within two, 68-66. However, they squandered several shot opportunities and fell to 3-1 in the Games. Australia, who lost to France on Monday, is now 3-1 as well.
Cambage, who also plays for the Tulsa Shock, Â finished the game with 17 points and 10 rebounds. She missed the first half of the WNBA season to train with her national team.
Suzy Batkovic contributed 15 points and four rebounds.  Jenna O’Hea added 10 points and five assists.
Four Russia, Irina Osipova led with 15 points and 9 rebounds. Alena Danilochkina added 13 points and four assists. Becky Hammon contributed 12 points.
