Game Report, Australia vs Brazil 82-73, Eight-Finals

IBIRAPUERA (2006 FIBA World Championship for Women) - Penny Taylor and Lauren Jackson combined for 48 points and 20 rebounds as Australia dug deep to hold off Brazil in Group E of eight-finals action.

The Opals, undefeated in the tournament, led 47-39 at half-time after a Laura Summerton jump shot right before the interval.

They stretched the advantage to 66-54 on a Jackson jump shot, which took her tally to 19 points, with 1:10 remaining in the third quarter.

Brazil were resilient in front of their home support, though, and an 8-0 run capped by Janeth's lay-up closed the gap to 68-65 approaching the mid-point of the final period.

Janeth had a team-high 22 points for Brazil.

Summerton and Kristi Harrower calmed Aussie nerves with consecutive baskets, however, and Brazil got no closer than four points the rest of the way.

Taylor scored 15 of her game-high 27 points in the first half and the other 12 in the third quarter. She also had seven rebounds.

Jackson had 21 points and 13 boards.

Jan Stirling's Australians helped their cause at the free throw line, making 20 of 23 attempts.

17.09.2006 Boxscores

Senegal vs Nigeria: 66-64
Brazil vs Australia: 73-82
Argentina vs Lithuania: 47-62
Russia vs Czech Republic: 83-85
Spain vs Canada: 85-57
USA vs France: 76-41
Korea vs Chinese Taipei: 73-52
China vs Cuba: 73-70

PA Sport