THE U.S. women are world champions again, and all too aware that nothing can be taken for granted in international basketball.

　　The U.S. men, loaded with NBA players in their world championships, are the perfect example of what happens when such advice is ignored.

　　“I think we have redeemed them, but we have all learned a big lesson from the men,” tournament MVP Lisa Leslie said after the 79-74 victory over Russia Wednesday night in Nanjing, East China’s Jiangsu Province.

　　The U.S. men were humiliated weeks ago in Indianapolis, losing three times and finishing sixth. The first defeat ended a 58-game winning streak with NBA players in international play.

　　The women won the seventh gold medal for the U.S., the most in the 49-year history of the championships. The former Soviet Union is next with six.

　　Australia, led by Lauren Jackson’s 31 points, took the bronze with a 91-63 win over South Korea.

　　The U.S. have not lost a game since 1994.

　　Sheryl Swoopes led the U.S. with 18 points. Leslie had 17 points, hitting two free throws and a jumper late in the fourth quarter after Russia came within one. The U.S. won its previous games by an average of more than 30 points. (SD-Agencies)