Aussie Women ready for Bronze Battle

The Australian women’s team will play-off for Bronze in London after a narrow 86-73 loss to the USA in their Semi Final in the early hours of this morning.

A gallant Aussie squad pushed the reigning Gold Medallists all the way, shocking the favourites to lead at half time, but were overrun late by their star-studded opponents.

Lauren Jackson was again a standout with 14 points and 17 rebounds, while young gun Liz Cambage finished with 19 points and 7 rebounds in the 13-point defeat.

Basketball Australia Chief Executive Officer Kristina Keneally congratulated the team on progressing through to the bronze medal game.

“Tonight’s game was just phenomenal; a nail-biter from start to finish,” Ms Keneally said.

“The girls played with such ticker and that held the US at bay. To put tonight’s game in perspective, the closest margin any other team has had to the Americans in the Games so far is 25 points, and the US have been averaging 92 points per game.

“Our women have become one of our most recognisable national sporting teams on the back of prolonged success on the biggest stages and their efforts in London are testament to that.

“We’ll all be hoping the team can finish their time in London on a high and bring home a medal for the fifth consecutive time.”

The focus now turns to the Bronze Medal match where the Australians will face Russia on Saturday following their loss in the other semi final clash with France 81-64. Tip-off at 2:00am (AEST) on Sunday morning.

USA and France meanwhile contest for the Gold medal on Sunday morning at 6:00am (AEST).

•  Have a view on this story? Send us your feedback!