At the Sydney SuperDome, Australia- The United States (US) women’s senior team on Saturday lifted its 11th (International Basketball Federation) FIBA World Cup after defeating China 83 – 61.
Team US’ Las Vegas Aces trio of Chelsea Gray, A’ja Wilson and Kelsey Plum played a pivotal role in securing the World Cup.
Wilson had 16 points in 16: 35 in the first half to carry the team. After a five-point game to end the first quarter and a 10-point game at the half, the US broke it open with a 25 – 14 edge in the third to give them a comfortable lead going into the fourth.
“China is a very good basketball team. I have watched them grow up and I am happy they got the silver. We were really determined and defensive today we had 40 deflections. We had some great moments in the game and obviously, A’Ja Wilson was spectacular,” said US coach, Cheryl Reeve.
Wilson who won the tournament’s Most Valuable Player (MVP) for her efforts, said the mission had been accomplished.
“It’s been a crazy couple of weeks, but I am blessed to be in this situation. I came here with a goal, and that was to get gold,” said Wilson.
Silver-medalist China made its first World Cup final appearance since 1994, it was also the last time it won a medal at a major international competition, host nation Australia took home the bronze following a 95 – 65 win over Canada.
Meanwhile, Australian legend Lauren Jackson had confirmed earlier on Saturday that the game between Canada would be her last.
The 41-year-old who has made a stunning comeback this year posted a message on her social media pages confirming her decision.
“It just dawned on me that this will be my last game ever in the green and gold and how lucky I am to have had this opportunity to represent Australia and also say goodbye. I didn’t get that chance all those years ago. I am so proud of our Opals (Australia’s senior women’s team) and regardless of the result this has been the most incredible journey of my basketball life,” said Jackson.
Nevertheless, the Australian team received some good news overnight with FIBA announcing Robyn Maher would be inducted into its hall of fame in November they will join her husband Tom who was inducted in 2021, and they are believed to be the first husband and wife duo in the hall of fame.
The final was the culminating chapter of a World Cup that boasted a total attendance of 145,519 accumulating from all games played at both the Sydney Superdome and the Sydney Sports Centre throughout the duration of the competition.
