SYDNEY (Australia) - Ezi Magbegor has long been one of the brightest young stars in women’s basketball and she finally got her first signature FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2022 performance.

"When I can be a big defensive presence, that helps my team and gives them confidence that I’m going to have their backs on defense as well."

In what has been Australia’s biggest game of the competition so far against Canada, Magbegor finished with 16 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, and an incredible 5 blocked shots on the way to an important win. Two of those five blocked shots - which ties the single-game record for most blocks in a Women’s World Cup since 1994 - came in the intense final two minutes, easily making those shot rejection clutch moments.

Magbegor has had some struggles on the offensive end early on in Sydney, shooting just under 40 percent prior to the Canada game, but she hasn’t let that get in her head. Instead, she’s been even more focused on the other end of the floor and using that to get into her rhythm.

"I think when things aren’t going your way offensively, you have to find other things to do to get you going," said Magbegor. "That’s blocking shots or getting steals, rebounds. Just finding those moments to impact the game and that gives you confidence and gives my teammates confidence in me as well to just keep the game going."

In the past 28 years, only 3 other players have been able to record 5 blocks - Liz Cambage, Tugce Canitez, and Lara Sanders who did it twice in 2014. Rim protection at this level is not easy to come by which Magbegor knows well and is always focused on doing as being the last line of defense for the team.

"I think [tying the record is] obviously a good thing," she said. "FIBA basketball is very physical so I just have to be there defensively and be there to help my teammates without fouling. When I can be a big defensive presence, that helps my team and gives them confidence that I’m going to have their backs on defense as well."

The confidence that the players have in each other is very key, especially in a team like Australia where they have become even more and more confident of their way of playing defense. A key part of that is their trust in Magbegor.

"She’s massive [to the team’s defense]," said Sara Blicavs about her teammate’s big game. "Her energy, her length, the way she can block shots, and her desire to help the team, unreal."

"Besides that, great human. I just want the absolutely best for her and great to see her do well."

FIBA