BRNO (Czechia) - Australia outlasted Canada 64-57 in a nerve-shredding Third Place Game to take their third medal at the FIBA U17 Women's Basketball World Cup.
The 2016 champions added to the bronze they won in 2018 with a hard-fought win as they recovered from their disappointing loss to Spain in the Semi-Finals.
In a roller-coaster contest, Australia got it done down the stretch, with a huge triple from Olivia Olechnowicz with just over a minute remaining proving to be decisive. The guard also grabbed the game-winning steal in the dying seconds.
She finished with 14 points, 7 rebounds and 3 steals, while teammate Madison Ryan put in a masterclass in leadership, collecting 15 points, 8 boards and 4 assists.
Classification games
- New Zealand claimed their highest ever finish as they sealed 5th place with a 76-61 success against China. Emilia Ainley starred with a monster double-double of 20 points and 17 boards. - Japan outlasted Slovenia 54-45 to claim 7th place as Miya Takeuchi excelled with 19 points and 5 assists. - Egypt celebrated their best ever finish as they stormed past Italy 80-63 to land 9th spot thanks mainly to 25 points from Hania Hassabelnaby. - Latvia wrapped up 11th place by beating Colombia 60-46 with Evelina Sirsnina netting 17 points. Despite the loss, Colombia attained their best ever finish and also won two games at an edition for the first time.
- Germany raced past host nation Czechia for 13th place with a commanding 63-37 triumph. Mia Wiegand fired 23 points. - Mexico avoided bottom place as they rode past debutantes Côte d'Ivoire 88-72 after Mariana Diaz and Isabella Martinez shared 38 points. FIBA