Australia’s U17 Sapphires have finished 5th at the FIBA Women’s World Cup in Mexico with a 67 – 64 triumph over Japan. Madison Ryan top-scored with 25 points (11 / 16) and dropped a crucial three late to stamp a fitting final performance for the Sapphires.
The Sapphires featured a handful of players from the recent U18 Gems team that took gold in China at the FIBA U18 Asia Cup in July. This included South Australian Lara Somfai, who shone with experience on the way to 9 points, 5 rebounds in the classification fixture vs japan. The Aussies had a massive 46 to 28 edge in the rebound game, with Ruby Perkins leading the team with 8 total.
Australia started strong in the 5th place classification game with an early 13 - 5 lead; however, it was short lived as Japan closed the gap swiftly. Somfai had seven points for Australia at quarter time and was leading the charge early, giving Australia a two-point buffer at quarter time, 18-16.
The second quarter was a tough battle with both teams sharing the lead but Australia’s confidence from beyond the arc kept them on top. Ryan began to heat up in the second with 9 points at the half whilst Australia held on to a two-point lead (33-31). Australia was physical in the third quarter, with their defence keeping them in front of Japan. Ryan continued to find her rhythm, with an eight-point quarter guiding Australia to a four-point lead heading into the fourth term, 56-52.
Australia managed to maintain their lead, yet Japan wouldn’t let Australia break open. The Sapphires were up by two with only 2:30 remaining before both teams went cold and struggled to make the next basket.
Ryan eventually broke the deadlock, hitting a crucial three pointer to take a 5-point buffed.
Japan struggled to find a reply until a clutch steal and fast-break layup cut the game to just three points with 13 seconds remaining. However, Australia remained composed in the clutch to hold onto the narrow lead and walk away with the win, finishing the tournament in fifth place.
FIBA U17 Women's World Cup | Classification 5 - 6
|
|
Q1
|
Q2
|
Q3
|
Q4
|
| AUS |
18
|
15
|
23
|
11
|
| JPN |
16
|
15
|
21
|
12
|
