Source :- PERTH NOW NEWS
Australia’s battling basketball women have made it into the last-eight of the World Cup after edging out Italy 82-80 in a nerve-shredding, winner-takes-all clash in Berlin.
But the triumphant Opals, who were inspired by Izzy Borlase’s 30-point haul, ran into more injury trouble as they set up a quarter-final clash with Spain in FIBA’s global showpiece.
Australia looked in danger of sinking to a shocking defeat after they’d held a 20-point lead at three-quarter time in Wednesday’s duel.
But Zitina Aokuso made a go-ahead lay-up with 24 seconds left to help them reassert control in the dying seconds.
The Italians, who had given the US their most competitive group game in 50 years, recovered from being 26 points down in the third quarter and began a furious comeback that was capped by Costanza Verona’s three-pointer with 69 seconds remaining that tied the game at 77-77.
After Aokuso gave the Opals the lead, Italy had a chance to go ahead but Cecilia Zandalisini missed a jumper with 13 seconds left. A review of the ensuing rebound gave crucial possession to Australia.
Alex Wilson was then fouled with 8.3 seconds left and made both free throws to make it a two-possession game.
Vittoria Blasigh hit a three-pointer to get Italy to within one point with just under five seconds left.
Borlase made the second of two free throws to give Australia a two-point lead and though Francseca Pasa had one last chance to tie it, her driving lay-up rolled off the rim at the buzzer.
The bad news for Australia was that midway through the first quarter, they lost captain and star centre Ezi Magbegor to an injury.
She was down on the court for a few minutes under the Opals’ basket before being helped back to the locker room. She came out and sat on the bench in the second quarter, but didn’t return to the game.
Australia were already missing star Dallas forward Alanna Smith, who has been out with a lower leg injury since playing in the opener.
With AP
