Olympic Women’s Basketball Report: Despite Carlton’s Efforts + Australia Claims Narrow Victory Over Canada with Five Players Scoring in Double Digits, Team Avoids Back-to-Back Losses

On August 1st, the Olympic women’s basketball group stage continued with a match between Australia and Canada.

In the first quarter, Carlton hit a three-pointer, Coley scored with an airborne layup, and Australia launched a 5-0 run. Magbegor scored with a high shot, Te Koeke hit a three-pointer, and in the opening five minutes, both teams were tied at 8-8. Whitcomb nailed a three-pointer, Magbegor drew a foul and made one of two free throws, causing a timeout. After the break, Magbegor and Coley traded baskets, Ajoungwa scored a buzzer-beating two-pointer, and Australia led 18-16 over Canada.

In the second quarter, Hill drew a foul and made both free throws, Carlton hit a three-pointer, Talbot scored from mid-range, and Alexander responded with a three-point play. Australia then trailed 20-24 against Canada. In the following two minutes, Talbot led a 6-0 run to widen the gap. Edwards scored in the paint, Alexander completed a steal and a three-point play, George hit a buzzer-beating three-pointer, and Australia led 38-32 over Canada.

In the third quarter, Magbegor scored in the paint, Coley hit a three-pointer, and Ajoungwa scored from mid-range, putting Australia ahead 40-37 against Canada. Melbourne scored consecutive layups, Carlton hit an unconventional three-pointer, and Alexander made both free throws after drawing a foul. In the first five minutes of the quarter, Australia held a two-point lead. Both teams increased their defensive intensity, leading to low shooting percentages. Tolotolo scored on a layup as time expired, and Australia led 51-44 over Canada.

In the final quarter, Whitcomb scored on a strong drive, Canada missed several shots until Hill hit a buzzer-beating three-pointer with seven minutes remaining. Talbot scored on a strong drive, and in the first five minutes of the quarter, Australia built a ten-point lead. In the latter part of the quarter, the Canadian women’s team narrowed the gap to less than ten points, but the Australian women’s team responded immediately. As time ran out, the game lost its suspense.

Ultimately, the Australian women’s team claimed a narrow 70-65 victory over Canada, avoiding back-to-back losses, and finished the group stage with a record of one win and one loss.

Statistical Summary:

Australian Women’s Team: Whitcomb 19 points, 5 rebounds, 10 assists, 2 steals; George 11 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal; Tolotolo 11 points, 3 rebounds; Talbot 11 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists, 1 steal; Magbegor 10 points, 1 rebound, 2 assists; Melbourne 4 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 1 steal; Maddigan 2 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist; Borasse 2 points, 3 rebounds; Jackson 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal; Smith 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 steals;

Canadian Women’s Team: Carlton 19 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals; Nies 12 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal; Alexander 10 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist; Coley 9 points, 1 rebound, 2 assists, 1 steal; Hill 5 points; Ajoungwa 4 points, 6 rebounds, 8 assists, 4 steals; Edwards 4 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 3 steals; Swad 2 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist; Feltz 1 rebound; Amihare 2 rebounds; Prosper 1 assist;

Player Rosters:

Canada: Coley, Nies, Carlton, Ajoungwa, Alexander

Australia: Melbourne, Talbot, Smith, Magbegor, Whitcomb