NANJING, China -- Lisa Leslie had 24 points and 13 rebounds to lead the defending champion United States past Australia 71-56 Tuesday and into the finals of the Women's World Basketball Championship.

Shannon Johnson scored 15 of her 17 points in the second quarter, and Sheryl Swoopes added 13 points and nine rebounds for the Americans, who will face Russia in the title game Wednesday. The Russians advanced with a 70-53 victory over South Korea.

	Shannon Johnson scored 15 of his 17 points in the second quarter for the United States.

The U.S. team limited Lauren Jackson of the Seattle Storm to nine points. The Australians were led by Suzy Batkovic's 13 points.

Leslie, playing in her third championship tournament, became the U.S. team's all-time leading scorer and rebounder in the championship. Her 376 points surpassed the previous mark of 371, set by Teresa Edwards from 1986 through '94, and her 181 rebounds surpassed Katrina McClain's record of 180 from 1986-94.

"We played pretty good defensively, and really shut Lauren Jackson down, who is really the key player to their team,'' Leslie said. "I thought Penny Taylor played well and really tried to take it to us, but overall our defense prevailed.''

The game was tied at the end of the one period, and Australia built a seven-point lead early in the second quarter.

Johnson led the Americans' rally in the second, and her layup gave the U.S. team a 27-25 lead. The United States closed the half with a 12-5 run for a 39-29 advantage at the break.

Leslie scored 10 straight points to start the third quarter, including a hook shot and a jumper from the top of the key, giving the Americans a 49-37 lead.

The Australians closed within seven points, but couldn't complete their comeback try.

Jackson and Taylor were benched for much of the second quarter because of foul trouble.

Leslie, who spent much of the night covering Jackson, said the time on the bench made it tough for Jackson to get back into the game.

"In the second half, I think I was probably more in my rhythm than she was because she had been sitting, so I was able to continue to score,'' Leslie said.

A 3-pointer by Tamika Catchings in the final minutes extended the Americans' lead to 10 points, 66-56, and put the game out of reach.

Australia stayed close enough that U.S. head coach Van Chancellor stuck with his starters and used just two subs.

"It's the first time I played Lisa and Sheryl over 35 minutes. Yeah, we were pushed tonight,'' he said.

Leslie said the Russian's offense should pose a threat in the final.

"They have a lot of weapons out there, with (Elena) Baranova leading the way,'' Leslie said. "She's a very good offensive player, she has great hands around the basket, she blocks shots well and she's also a very good rebounder. I think we definitely have to contain her.''