BRONZE MEDAL WRAP UP | Lauren Jackson is too much to handle for Canada and Steph Talbot flirts with a triple-double

Published On: October 1, 2022

It’s all or nothing today.

Australia didn’t start the game totally focused winning the first possession but loosing possession straight away from a cross court violation.

Marianna Tolo is the x-factor for the Opals as she scores Australia’s first 6 points.

Sara Blicavs is in hot form on both offence and defence pushing the ball up the court and giving Canada a reason to call a time out with 3 minutes left as the Opals are in front 18 – 13.

In her last game as an Opal, Lauren Jackson is leaving nothing on the line by providing excellent energy Canada can’t contain.

Canada’s Kia Nurse is keeping her team in the game with 8 points.

Defence has earned the Opals the lead to end of the first quarter, the Opals lead 27 – 21.

Kristy Wallace is showing her strength by being a menace to defend. She has been controlling the momentum very well which is keeping the energy going to Opal’s way.

After the 2-point loss to China the Opals are looking refreshed as Steph Talbot is hitting her shots as she sinks a consecutive three and a two pointer.

Canada’s energy to try and draw back their deficit is a huge challenge when Sara Blicav’s is everywhere on the court.

Cayla George has provided solid minutes but is unlucky to get her third foul with 3 minutes remaining in the half.

Lauren Jackson has been vital in the second quarter as her size has been hard to match by Canada.

Kia Nurse isn’t going to let her Canadian team mates down as she is leading her team with 10 points. Sandy Brondello sees that her team is losing their control and calls a timeout with 1:18 left in the half.

A brilliant tap out pass to an open Steph Talbot who capitalises on the opportunity to score a 3 pointer gives her the ability to leader the Opals into the half as the leading scorer with 11 points which is followed by Lauren Jackson with 9 points. Australia holds an 8 point lead 51 – 43.

Kia Nurse ends the half with 17 points to keep Canada within arm’s length.

At the start of the second half, Canada gets tougher on offence but can’t seem to find a rhythm to get going. A three from Sami Whitcomb doesn’t make it any easier for Canada to any momentum.

Canada’s Coach Victor Lapena has seen enough and calls a time out to refocus his team.

Nirra Fields is trying her best to get her team back in the game, but Lauren Jackson puts the breaks on Canada’s run by scoring eight straight points taking her total to 17 with 2:59 left in the third quarter. Canada calls a timeout as they trail by 11 points 65 – 54.

Lauren Jackson scores 13 of the Opals 20 points in the third quarter extending Australia’s lead out to 17 points heading into the final term 71 – 54.

Canada have tried their best to keep in the game, when Australia has players like Steph Talbot who as been in form all tournament. It makes the game hard to claw back.

Canadian Coach Victor Lapena calls a time out with 4:27 left in the game.

Lauren Jackson gets subbed out for the final time in her illustrious international career with 2:22 remaining with 30 points to her name.

Australia closes out the game 95 – 65

Lauren finishes the game as the top scorer and TCL player of the match.

5 – Kristy Wallace | 8 points | 2 rebounds | 2 assists |