The Australian Pearls have capped off a dominant week at the 2025 Virtus Global Games in Kazakhstan with a clean sweep in the 5x5 competition, defeating Spain across three straight games to claim the gold medal.
The Pearls controlled the best-of-three series from start to finish.
Game 1: Australia 100 def Spain 21
Game 2: Australia 107 def Spain 24
Game 3: Australia 85 def Spain 19
Brittany Anderson was named tournament MVP, delivering a standout series and continuing her red-hot form after also being named in the All-Star 3 for the 3x3 competition earlier in the week. She was joined in the 5x5 All-Star-5 by teammates Jessica McCulloch and Alicia Bamblett.
Australia’s impact extended beyond the playing group, with Ken Spratt and Caitlin Grove appointed to referee the gold medal game.
The 5x5 gold follows a stellar showing in the 3x3 competition, where Pearls Green went undefeated to win gold, and Pearls Gold secured silver in an all-Australian women’s final. McCulloch also earned 3x3 MVP honours, making it a standout week for the group on both individual and team levels.
The Pearls’ performances across both formats highlight the strength of Australia’s intellectual disability basketball program and the success of inclusive high-performance pathways.
Basketball Australia congratulates the athletes, coaching staff, and officials on an outstanding campaign in Kazakhstan.
