Australia vs Belgium: Paris Olympic 2024 Women’s Basketball Match
Match Info
- Date: August 11, 2024
- Time: 18:00 (local time)
- Venue: Palais des Sports, Paris, France
- Teams: Australia vs. Belgium
- Result: Australia 85 – 81 Belgium
In a high-stakes battle for bronze at the Paris Olympics, Australia emerged victorious over Belgium with a nail-biting 85-81 win in the women’s basketball competition. This victory marked Australia’s first Olympic medal in women’s basketball since their bronze in the 2012 London Games, and it was a fitting farewell for their 43-year-old basketball legend, Lauren Jackson, who secured her fifth Olympic medal.
A Tight Contest from Start to Finish
The match was a display of relentless skill and determination, with both teams battling fiercely as the lead shifted 15 times. Australia managed to edge ahead by just one point at halftime, taking a 37-36 lead after Sami Whitcomb nailed a buzzer-beating three-pointer.
In the third quarter, Belgium surged ahead, outscoring Australia and entering the final quarter with a slim 61-60 lead. However, the Opals, determined to return to the Olympic podium, rallied in the fourth quarter. Ezi Magbegor delivered a standout performance with 30 points, 13 rebounds, and three assists, leading Australia’s charge as they outscored Belgium 26-19 in the final stretch.
Key Moments and Crucial Plays
One of the game’s pivotal moments came with less than four minutes remaining, as Australia clung to a five-point lead. In the final 25 seconds, with Belgium trailing by three, Australian forward Steph Talbot delivered a game-saving block on Antonia Delaere’s three-point attempt, ensuring that the Opals held on to their advantage until the final buzzer.
Belgium’s Valiant Effort Falls Short
For Belgium, the loss was heartbreaking. The team, affectionately known as the Cats, was competing in only their second Olympic Games and was on the brink of winning their first-ever Olympic medal. Julie Vanloo led the Belgian effort with an impressive 26 points and 11 assists, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Australia’s resilience.
Belgium’s journey to the bronze medal game was filled with drama, including an agonizing one-point loss to Japan in the Tokyo 2020 quarter-finals and an overtime defeat to France in the semi-finals in Paris. Despite their best efforts, Belgium fell just short of making history.
A Legendary Career Concludes
The victory also marked a significant personal achievement for Lauren Jackson, who was playing in her final Olympic Games. Jackson, a towering figure in international basketball, added this bronze to her three silver medals from the Sydney 2000, Athens 2004, and Beijing 2008 Olympics, as well as a previous bronze from London 2012. Her legacy as one of the greatest players in women’s basketball is now firmly cemented.
Looking Ahead
As the Paris Olympics draw to a close, Australia’s win provides a significant boost to the Opals, who have faced challenges in recent years, including missing out on a medal at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. With young stars like Ezi Magbegor stepping up, the future of Australian women’s basketball looks promising.
For Belgium, this loss, though painful, represents a major step forward for a team that has quickly risen to prominence on the global stage. With players like Emma Meesseman and Julie Vanloo leading the charge, the Cats are poised to remain competitive in future international tournaments.
This bronze medal game will be remembered not just for the thrilling competition but for the stories of perseverance, teamwork, and the pursuit of excellence that defined both teams’ Olympic journeys.
Women’s Basketball Medal Winners
- Gold: United States
- Silver: France
- Bronze: Australia
Related – U.S. Women’s Soccer Team Wins Gold with 1-0 Victory Over Brazil at Paris 2024 & France 3-5 Spain – Olympic Men’s Football Gold Medal Match
