Women’s Olympic Basketball Match Report: Calu vs. Smith, Australia Defeated by Nigeria

Basketball Match Report
On July 29th, in the group stage of the Olympic women’s basketball competition, the Nigerian women’s basketball team played against the Australian women’s basketball team in group B.

The first quarter saw Smith score a counterattack layup to start, while Nigeria was unable to score. Australia had an easy time establishing a 6-0 lead. After two minutes, Calu broke Nigeria’s scoring drought with a free throw. Australia continued to increase its advantage, with Melbourne making both of her free throws, resulting in an 13-5 lead for Australia. Okonkwo hit a crucial three-pointer to stop the bleeding, and Nigeria then scored eight consecutive points to tie the game. Smith nailed a key three-pointer as Nigeria’s defensive intensity was high, forcing Australia into multiple turnovers. The teams were locked in a tight battle, unable to score for extended periods. Nigeria hit a three-pointer to take the lead, ending the first quarter with Australia trailing 17-18.

In the second quarter, Nigeria maintained a high level of defensive pressure, which made it difficult for Australia to adapt. Wallace finally scored a basket to break the deadlock, but Nigeria struggled offensively, not scoring until more than three minutes later. However, they then scored four points in a row to take the lead and force an Australian timeout. After the timeout, Whitcomb hit a three-pointer to stem the tide, while Calu maintained hot shooting, scoring a three-point play that regained the lead. In the first half, Calu scored 17 points single-handedly, supporting the team’s offense, while Australia still lacked a sense of offense. Nigeria kept leading throughout the half, with Okonkwo hitting a long-range three-pointer, leaving Australia 13 points behind at halftime.

In the third quarter, Melbourne scored first with a layup, followed by Akpana’s basket. Despite controlling their turnovers, Australia continued to struggle with their offense. Okonkwo scored another basket, leaving Nigeria with a 15-point lead. Magbegor scored a basket from the low post, followed by Whitcomb’s three-pointer, reducing the deficit to 10 points. Australia’s offense began to improve, and they continued to narrow the gap, with Smith scoring five consecutive points to reduce the lead to just five points and force a Nigerian timeout. After the timeout, Musa scored a reverse layup to stop the bleeding, and Australia continued to chase down points. Lauren Jackson hit a three-pointer, and Musa scored a buzzer-beating jump shot, bringing the score to 47-51, with Australia trailing by just four points at the end of the third quarter.

In the final quarter, Musa hit a three-pointer first, followed by Smith scoring under pressure, continuing Australia’s pursuit. Talbot hit a three-pointer, reducing the deficit to three points, and Barogun hit a crucial three-pointer, followed by another three-pointer from Smith, bringing Australia within one point at 56-58. Despite a high number of turnovers, Nigeria maintained its lead. Okonkwo hit another three-pointer, leaving Nigeria with a 63-56 lead. Whitcomb scored a layup, leaving Nigeria with a seven-point lead with less than two minutes remaining. In the decisive moments, Nigeria held onto its advantage, ultimately defeating Australia and causing the biggest upset since the start of the Olympic women’s basketball tournament.

Player Statistics
– **Nigeria Women’s Basketball Team**:
– Calu: 19 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals;
– Okonkwo: 13 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist;
– Musa: 11 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 4 steals;
– Amakara: 14 points, 5 rebounds, 9 assists, 4 steals;
– Barogun: 9 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals;
– Enabori: 4 points, 1 rebound, 1 steal;
– Akpana: 3 points, 7 rebounds;
– Agafa: 2 points, 1 steal;

– **Australia Women’s Basketball Team**:
– Smith: 15 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal;
– Whitcomb: 13 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal;
– Melburn: 11 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 1 steal;
– Magbegor: 9 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists;
– Jackson: 6 points, 2 rebounds, 1 steal;
– Talbot: 3 points, 12 rebounds, 10 assists, 3 steals;
– Maddgen: 2 points, 1 assist;
– Wallace: 2 points, 1 assist, 1 steal;
– Borace: 1 point, 1 rebound;
– George: 1 rebound;
– Tolo: 2 rebounds;

Player Roster
– **Starting Line-up for Australia**: Melbourne, Talbot, Smith, Magbegor, Whitcomb
– **Starting Line-up for Nigeria**: Okonkwo, Akpana, Barogun, Amakara, Calu