Brazil bounced by ruthless Australians | 2015 World University Games
Australia's emerging Opals continued their fantastic start to the 2015 World University Games by easily dispatching Brazil, 85-40.
The South Americans were no match for a ruthless UniRoos team, who overcame a slow start before powering their way to a 45 point victory. Leading the way were the trio of Tessa Lavey, Stephanie Talbot and Vanessa Panousis, all of whom scored 14 points each.
Lavey, Talbot and Panousis were impressive in the win against Brazil.
After the opening minutes, it was Brazil who managed to edge ahead 7-3. However consecutive three-pointers from Alice Kunek and Panousis put Australia back ahead for good. Talbot connected on a triple of her own before Panousis made a basket at the buzzer for to ensure the UniRoos led 19-11 at the first break.
Panousis added another long-range bomb to open scoring in the second period, going on to score 12 of her 14 points in the first half. Kunek continued to have an influence offensively, piling on 10 first half points of her own. Not only was Australia scoring at a rapid rate, defensively they were smothering the South Americans, who only managed 7 points for the quarter as they fell behind 18-39 at half time.
Australia was able to maintain dominance heading into the second half, with Talbot continuing their hot shooting from beyond the arc. Lavey began to assert herself on the contest as she joined in on the scoring spree, compiling 8 points for the quarter in guiding her side to a 29 point lead.
With a commanding lead, the UniRoos never let up and continued to pile on the pressure. Sara Blicavs (8 points, 11 rebounds) combined well with Lavey (4 assists) to capitilise on their scoring opportunities as Australia racked up 26 points in the final quarter to run out 45 point winners.
Coach Joyce was full of praise for the outstanding performances on the defensive end that led to a tremendous offensive output led by Talbot, Blicavs, Clydesdale, Panousis, Lavey and Kunek.
The emerging Opals continued to shoot ball exceptionally well from beyond the arc (10/20 3PT) and once dominated the rebounding count (47-32). While Australia boasted four players who scored in double figures, Brazil had no such luck this night - none on the team reached double digits.
After blowing our their first two opponents, the UniRoos next face Chinese Taipei who also dispatched Uganda (100-55) and Brazil (86-81) with relative ease. The winner of the contest will secure first place in Group D.
5 July, defeated Uganda 128-31
6 July, defeated Brazil 85-40
7 July, 6:30pm vs Chinese Taipei
9 July, Quarter Finals
11 July, Semi Finals
12 July, Medals
Eurosport Australia will be broadcasting all the action from the semi finals onwards via Foxtel in Australia.