PARIS — Australia used a strong fourth quarter to finally separate itself from Belgium, 85-81, earning the program the Olympic bronze medal — its sixth Olympic medal and its first since 2012. The Opals’ defensive pressure locked in during the final quarter, forcing four turnovers — including a shot clock violation with 16 seconds to go.
When the team finally left the floor after celebrating the medal, it was led by Lauren Jackson and Ezi Magbegor — the player who has been the face of Australia basketball for decades, and the player who many anticipate will be the bedrock of this program moving forward.
Magbegor finished with 30 points, 13 rebounds, three blocks, two steals and three assists in the bronze medal game while three other Opals also finished in double digits. Alanna Smith recorded a double-double (13 points, 12 rebounds). Those two were the centerpieces of an Australian rebounding performance that allowed the Opals to dominate the glass (44-31 margin), including 12 offensive boards which gave Australia a 14-2 advantage in second-chance points.
Jackson, 43, who came out of retirement (actually, a second time) to mount a comeback for these Games didn’t play in the bronze medal game, but as the clock ticked down, she was the player being circled by her teammates, many of whom grew up idolizing the former WNBA MVP.
Emma Meesseman and Julie Vanloo both led the Belgian Cats, in what was the program’s second Olympic appearance and bettering its 2021 finish of seventh. Meesseman finished with 23 points and five rebounds while Vanloo tallied 26 points and 11 assists.
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(Photo of Australia’s Ezi Magbegor and Alanna Smith celebrating Sunday’s win: Gregory Shamus / Getty Images)
