Source :- PERTH NOW NEWS
Ezi Magbegor scored 21 points as Australia reached the knockout phase of the Women’s Basketball World Cup with a physical 87-71 win over Turkey.
Led by Sevgi Uzun with 24 points, Turkey were down 8-0 early but fought back after a timeout to lead 15-14.
Their lead was brief, however, as the Opals rallied to end the first quarter 21-15 up, and they did not relinquish the lead for the rest of Sunday’s game.
Captain Magbegor’s effort was complemented by Steph Talbot, who ended with 17 points, five rebounds and five assists, while Alex Fowler had 10 points and four boards.
Steph Reid, Ally Wilson and Miela Sowah were also key contributors.
Australia, featuring seven World Cup debutants, went to the top of Group C with the win, ahead of second-placed Belgium’s second game against Puerto Rico later on Sunday.
After two wins, Australia is already assured at least a playoff place in the final phase of the competition.
The Opals will next play Belgium, the European champions, on Monday in a showdown that will likely decide which side progresses directly to the quarter-finals as group winner.
Alanna Smith was rested again due to lower leg soreness. Team captain Sami Whitcomb of the WNBA’s Phoenix Mercury had to withdraw before the tournament with a lingering knee injury.
The United States were drawn to play Italy, with Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese and Paige Bueckers bidding to stretch the Americans’ winning run to 32 games. The US hasn’t lost a game at the World Cup since the semi-final of the 2006 tournament.
Also, China with 7-foot-3 Zhang Ziyu was playing the Czech Republic with both teams looking for their first wins.
