On August 11, the Olympic women’s basketball bronze medal match between Australia and Belgium took place in Paris.
At the start of the game, Delaere from Belgium hit a three-pointer, and Australia immediately responded with two points. Coming back, Delaere hit another three-pointer, and Belgium opened the game with an 8-3 lead. Australia also found their outside shooting touch, scoring eight consecutive points to take the lead. Meesseman continued her outstanding performance, with both teams taking turns leading. Bolasse hit a three-pointer at the buzzer, and at the end of the first quarter, Australia led Belgium 20-19.
In the second quarter, both teams’ shooting percentages began to drop. Belgium scored only two points in three minutes, but Australia did not convert their advantage on the court into points, with the score difference still being one point. However, the situation on the court changed dramatically. Belgium’s second unit lacked offensive firepower, and Magbegor led her team to score continuously, with Australia showing a trend of widening the gap. Fortunately, veteran Whitcomb hit a three-pointer to stop the bleeding for the team, then scored three more goals in a row to once again tie and overtake the score. Whitcomb hit a buzzer-beating three-pointer, and at halftime, Belgium trailed Australia 36-37.
Player Statistics
Belgium Women’s Basketball Team: Meesseman 15 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist; Delaere 10 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists; Vanloo 4 points, 1 rebound, 6 assists, 1 steal; Le Simont 3 points, 1 rebound; Linskens 2 points, 2 rebounds, 1 steal; Messi 2 points, 2 rebounds, 2 steals; Massey 2 rebounds; Lamet 3 rebounds, 1 assist;
Australia Women’s Basketball Team: Magbegor 14 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist; Whitcomb 6 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists; Smith 6 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist; Borasse 5 points, 1 assist; George 2 points, 1 rebound; Toro 2 points, 1 rebound; Talbot 2 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist; Melbourne 2 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal;