Australia exacted revenge on Serbia, securing a spot in the women’s basketball semifinals at the Paris Olympics with an 85-67 victory. The Opals, seeking their first Olympic gold medal, were determined to avoid a repeat of their 2016 Rio Games quarterfinal loss to Serbia. They dominated from the outset, establishing a 26-19 lead in the first quarter and never relinquishing control. Alanna Smith led the charge with 22 points, while Cayla George and Jade Melbourne contributed 18 points each.
The victory sets up a tantalizing semifinal clash for Australia. They will face the winner of the match between the United States and Nigeria, a formidable challenge for any team. The U.S. is on a 58-match winning streak, aiming for an unprecedented 10th gold medal and eighth consecutive title. Their dominance in women’s basketball has often come at Australia’s expense. The Opals have won five Olympic medals in the sport, but have yet to claim the top prize, losing to the U.S. in three consecutive Olympic finals (2000, 2004, and 2008). Most recently, the U.S. ended Australia’s medal hopes at the Tokyo Olympics three years ago, defeating them 79-55 in the quarterfinals.
In other quarterfinal action at the Bercy, host France will square off against Germany, while Spain will face Belgium.
