AUS/USA – Cambage factor looms large

KARLO VARY (2010 FIBA World Championship for Women) - The major talking point after the United States' victory over Australia that allowed the Americans to claim first place in Group E was Opals center Liz Cambage.

If there were any doubts about the 19-year-old's ability to be a real tower of power at the FIBA World Championship for Women, there were none after her performance on Wednesday.

The United States won the game 83-75 to finish top of Group E, but Cambage was the best player on the floor in the second half and finished with 18 points, seven rebounds and four blocks.

She was the real talking point after.

It was hard picking her best moment.

On one occasion, she was standing 20 feet from the basket and decided to put the ball on the floor and drive to the hoop.

Cambage scored with ease.

On another, USA center Sylvia Fowles attempted to back Cambage down on the low block only for the Australian to stand her ground and then swat her shot.

She made a great impression on everyone, especially Fowles.

"It’s something different," she said.

"She’s a big body you have to go up against.

"She’s very physical and you just have to get after her.

"If not, then she will embarrass you and I’m not trying to get embarrassed."

Sue Bird spoke with a lot of enthusiasm about the Australian.

"She has a huge upside," Bird said.

"You can't teach size. And this girl is big.

"And there's not a lot of centers out there today.

"That's just kind of a fact."

The players that will have to contend with Cambage next are those that wear the shirt of the Czech Republic.

They take on Australia in the Quarter-Finals on Friday.

FIBA