AUS - Tully Bevilaqua announces retirement from national team as Australia finish fifth

KARLOVY VARY (2010 FIBA World Championship) - Australia finished the FIBA World Championship on a high with a 74-62 victory over France to clinch fifth place on Sunday.

The Opals saw their title defense ended in the Quarter-Finals by the Czech Republic but hit back to beat Russia and then overcame France.

Australia veteran Lauren Jackson had a game-high 13 points while teenage sensation Elizabeth Cambage contributed 12.

Carrie Graf's side stormed into a 21-7 lead after the first quarter, only for France to close the gap to 36-25 at the break.

Australia outscored the French 17-14 over the next 10 minutes to take a 53-39 lead heading into the final quarter and held on to win.

The game was Australia guard Tully Bevilaqua's last for the national team.

"We wanted to finish this tournament on a high note," said the 38-year-old Bevilaqua.

"There comes a time when you make that decision and it's my time.

"Some athletes finish on fairy tales. I guess for me, unfortunately, I haven't.

"I've been very fortunate to represent Australia in two World Championship and an Olympics.

"I'm walking outt of this room with my head held high."

Australia got 18 points off turnovers and out-rebounded France 38-34.

Elodie Godin led France in scoring with 11 points.

FIBA