Laura Thomas and Rachel Warren

BANGKOK, Thailand --- University of Portland women’s basketball players Rachel Warren and Laura Thomas helped the Australian team win the gold medal at the 2007 World University Games, which concluded last week in Bangkok, Thailand. After dropping the opening game of the tournament, the Australians won five straight games to claim the top prize.

Australia defeated Russia 85-65 in the gold medal game on August 16.

“Winning the gold was a pretty amazing experience,” said Warren, who is entering her senior season on The Bluff. “We had a great time and really enjoyed the journey. The international game is a lot more physical, so I really learned a lot.”

Warren, a center, also competed for Australia at the 2005 World University Games. She averaged 12.1 points and 6.4 rebounds per game to help the Australians win the bronze two years ago. Despite missing eight games last season with a foot injury, Warren led the Pilots in rebounds (7.6 rpg) and blocks (2.5 bpg) and finished second in scoring (10.6 ppg).

Thomas, a forward, will be a sophomore for the Pilots this year. During her freshman campaign, she averaged 7.7 points and 6.1 rebounds per game. She also posted four double-doubles and led the team in rebounding 11 times.

The World University Games, which is considered second only to the Olympics in worldwide participation, are held every two years and are open to student-athletes between the ages of 17 and 25 who must be in full course study at a university. More than 7,000 athletes from more than 150 countries participate in the games.