Paris Olympics 2024: Opals win bronze as Matt Richardson, Matt Glaezter win in Velodrome
It’s been a historic triumph for Australia so far at these Olympics is there more joy to come as we enter the final day of competition in Paris?
Recap all the action.
It’s all on the line
There is nothing in this game, with Belgium taking a one-point lead into the final break.
10 minutes stands between the Opals and their first Olympic medal since 2012.
AUS 60, BEL 61
Gap closes again
But just like that, Belgium have taken the lead.
They have blitzed the Opals with a quick 11-0 run.
AUS 55, BEL 56
Breaking it open
The Opals are out to a game-high nine point lead, with Magbegor now up to 24 points.
Belgium went to overtime in their semifinal and look to be tiring with their short rotation.
AUS 54, BEL 45
Back in action
We’re back in action for the basketball bronze medal match.
Ezi Magbegor has continued her strong start from a 16-point first half, scoring the Opals’ first bucket.
AUS 44, BEL 38
HT AUS 37, BEL 36
Whitcomb drops a three-point bomb with one second left in the half to give the Aussies the slenderest of leads going into the break.
It will come down to fitness in the second half, with shots much easier when you have fresh legs.
Emma Meesseman leads the way for scoring with 15 for Belgium while Aussie Ezi Magbegor has 14.
No one else has reached double digits.
11-0 run
Belgium have stormed into the lead after answering Australia’s run of six straight points with 11 unanswered of their own.
AUS 32, BEL 36
Back and forth
The Aussies went on a small run, but the Belgians instantly answered with some sweet passing to find easy buckets.
Australia have been on point with their set defence, but transition is hard to stop.
Belgium do look fatigued after their semi went to overtime.
AUS 32, BEL 30
Missed chances
The Aussies hit a nice three-pointer to start the term but have lacked the killer finishing to streak away.
Their shots are not falling, and some of their passing is off the mark.
AUS 26, BEL 23
Buzzer beater!
The Opals take the lead with a three after the first-quarter buzzer.
Izzy Borlase was open beyond the arc and let rip.
The Aussies looked better the longer the quarter went on and will want to start taking advantage of the momentum.
WA’s Sami Whitcomb is struggling a little with her shot after being lights out for most of the competition.
AUS 20, BEL 19
Ugly start
The Opals have made some nice moves and look good in transition, but their finishing his well off at the moment.
Their defence is tight and keeping the Belgians in check.
AUS 12, BEL 11
