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Dieng Dominating FIBA, Lynx Play in Phoenix for Spot in WNBA Finals

Spain is rolling along at 3-0 with Ricky Rubio starting at point guard, where he still isn't making shots, but is piling up the assists. The real story at the World Cup is Gorgui Dieng dominating for Senegal and leading them to 2 wins in their first 3 games. Meanwhile, the Lynx head to Phoenix for a decisive game three.

By Eric in Madison
Andrew Richardson-USA TODAY Spor

In Wolves related FIBA news, Spain defeated what was supposed to be a strong Brazil team 82-63. Pau Gasol led the way with 26 points, while Ricky Rubio tallied seven assists, while also going 0-3 from the field. Rubio is averaging six assists per game so far in the tournament, but as usual for Spain, is not looking for his shot at all. He also hasn't made the ones he has taken, but Spain is crushing opponents with Rubio initiating the offense.

Gorgui Dieng led Senegal to a second straight upset, this time over Croatia following their win over Puerto Rico on Sunday. Dieng has been a monster so far at the tournament. Yesterday's performance included 27 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists and two blocks.  This follows two big double-doubles, an 18 and 13 against Puerto Rico, and a 21 and 14 in their opening game loss to Greece. Senegal is looking good to make the knockout stages, which would be a fantastic accomplishment for them.  Dieng has emerged as the clear star of the team, and the confidence he is playing with can only help as he heads toward his second season with the Wolves.

Today's FIBA schedule:

Angola vs. Mexico 6:30 am CDT
Ukraine vs. Turkey 8:00 am CDT
New Zealand vs. USA 10:30 am CDT
Australia vs. Lithuania 10:30 am CDT
South Korea vs. Slovenia 1:00 pm CDT
Finland vs. Dominican Republic 2:30 pm CDT

All games except the USA game are streaming on ESPN3.  The USA vs. New Zealand will be on ESPN2.

Meanwhile, the Lynx return to Phoenix tonight to take on the Mercury in the decisive game three of the Western Conference Finals. The Lynx got a big come back win at Target Center in game two, but must find a way to win in Phoenix, something they haven't done all season, to earn a fourth straight trip to the WNBA Finals.

The Eastern Conference will also see a game three as the Chicago Sky managed to win game two at home over the Indiana Fever in two overtimes. The teams will meet on Wednesday in Indiana to determine the East's Finals representative.

Lynx at Mercury
9:00 pm CDT
NBA TV

Today in History

44 BC: First of Cicero's Philippics against Mark Antony
31 BC: Octavian's troops defeat Mark Antony and Cleopatra at battle of Actium
1192: Saladin and Richard the Lionhearted sign cease fire truce
1666: Great fire of London
1789: Treasury Dept. established by Congress
1864: General Sherman captures Atlanta
1885: White miners in Wyoming attack Chinese miners, killing 28
1901: Teddy Roosevelt says "speak softly and carry a big stick"
1940: Great Smoky Mountain National Park dedicated
1944: Anne Frank sent to Auschwitz
1945: Ho Chi Minh declares Vietnamese independence from France

Today's musical birthday is Laurindo Almeida, born in 1917 (d. 1995)


Have a great day.