Australian Women’s Basketball vs Canadian Women’s Basketball Preview: Magbegor vs Carlton, Who Can Bounce Back and Seize the Opening Victory?

The Olympic women’s basketball group stage continues on August 1st, with Australia facing off against Canada.

Although Australia is ranked fourth in the current Olympic women’s basketball strength rankings, their debut performance was not up to par. Australia lost 62-75 to Nigeria, failing to secure an opening victory. Magbegor played for 31 minutes, making 9 shots out of 4, scoring 9 points, grabbing 5 rebounds, and assisting 3 times, but also committing 4 turnovers. It seems she has yet to find her best form. The other Australian players’ shooting percentages were also unsatisfactory. They appeared passive when faced with Nigeria’s pressing defense and aggressive play, particularly in how Akamkpa handled the ball, giving her away with 10 successful free throws out of 10 attempts. In the entire game, she scored 14 points, assisted 9 times, grabbed 6 rebounds, and had 4 steals, essentially derailing Australia’s rhythm.

In this match against the Canadian women’s basketball team, Australia urgently needs to regain their form from outside the arc. Apart from making 10 out of 27 shots in the last game, they only managed 8 out of 18 free throws. Core players such as Magbegor, Talbot, and Smith need to shoulder more responsibility. With Lauren’s consistent performance, it might be worth trying to use her more aggressively after she received opportunities in the previous game, where she scored 2 out of 2 three-pointers as one of the stronger points.

Canada’s previous game ended in a significant defeat by France, with 54-75. Carlton’s performance lacked conviction, with 8 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 turnovers in 36 minutes. The starting lineup struggled to meet expectations, and Canada’s second quarter saw them score just 2 points, which was a decisive factor in their loss. France’s women’s basketball team, on the other hand, demonstrated a multi-faceted approach, with Williams contributing 12 points, 8 assists, and 5 steals, while Bedein added 13 points and 6 rebounds, securing an opening Olympic victory even in a practice-like situation in the second half.

This match will determine the group’s progression, with the question being whether Canada can secure a victory over Australia. Considering the hard power dynamics, Canada doesn’t have a significant advantage. However, given that Australia’s first game featured issues with shooting and rotation, Canada may have an opportunity to learn from Nigeria’s pace of attack and defense, continuously executing pick-and-rolls to challenge Australia’s defensive line, potentially gaining the initiative.

Australia’s 12-player roster includes: Baker Allen, Isobelle Boreas, Keira George, Lauren Jackson, Tess Madgen, Izzy McBeeg, Jade Melbourne, Alana Smith, Stephanie Talbot, Marianna Toole, Kelsey Wallace, Sami Whitcomb.

Canada’s 12-player roster includes: Natalee Ajovva, Keela Alexander, Latisha Amihiel, Bridget Carlton, Shay Cole, Aleia Edwards, Ivyne Egim, Nilah Fields, Sami Hill, Kia News, Cassandra Prosper, Sheila Soz.

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