Game Report, Australia vs Brazil 88-76, Semi-Finals

IBIRAPUERA (2006 FIBA World Championship for Women) – A Brazilian moment of glory was stolen away by Belinda Snell and Australia as the determined Opals reached the final of the FIBA World Championship for Women.

Playing before their own fans and leading 68-64 with 7:49 remaining, Brazil looked good bets to beat the team that had overpowered them in an Athens Olympics semi-final two years ago.

The Australians had the final say, though, and hit back for an 88-76 triumph.

"We lost our concentration," said Brazil star Iziane. "For me, is very sad because we're playing home and I wanted so bad to be a champion playing here in Brazil.

"I've dreamed about winning this golden medal here. For me, it would be more important
than winning a golden medal in a Olympic Games."

Snell, in the midst of arguably the best game of her international career, put her team on the way to victory with a three-pointer and then a lay-up to give Australia a 69-68 advantage.

Her team-mates then got in the act.

The magnificent Penny Taylor added a three-point play after being fouled on a lay-up before Snell scored again, this time on a drive to the basket to take her tally to 22 points.

Erika stopped the rot for Brazil with a jump shot to trim the Aussie lead to 74-70, and after Jennifer Whittle and Erika exchanged baskets, Lauren Jackson nailed a three-pointer and then made a pair of free throws to extend the lead to 81-72 with 2:32 to play.

A stunned Brazil, winners of the world title 12 years ago when the tournament was staged in Australia, got no closer than seven points the rest of the way.

Snell had a remarkable performance, making three of five (60%) from the arc and five of seven from two-point range (71.4%).

"We showed some Aussie spirit on the court today," Snell said. "We didn't lose control of the game at any point."

Australia finished nine of 20 (45%) from three-point range, compared to six of 18 (33.3%) for Brazil.

Jackson had 19 points and seven rebounds while Australia’s dynamo point guard, Kristi Harrower, was outstanding with nine points,  six assists and a game-high 10 rebounds.

Iziane was poised to be the star for Brazil for the second night running with 16 points before the wheels came off in the fourth quarter. She had poured in 23 in Brazil’s quarter-final demolition of the Czech Republic.

Australia will play Russia for gold, Brazil will hope for bronze in their battle against the United States.

"We won, but it could've been Brazi," said Australia coach Jan Stirling. "It was an equal
game. As it has been in the past, Brazil always is a good challenge for us. I hope the crowd comes in to cheer for Brazil in the dispute for the bronze medal."

Semi Finals boxscores (21.09.2006)

Australia vs Brazil: 88-76
USA vs Russia: 75-68

By Jeff Taylor, PA Sport