Emerging Boomers to playoff for bronze as the Aussie women chase Universiade gold

The Emerging Boomers will take on Israel for bronze at the 2019 World University Games after falling short 80-82 in a thrilling semifinal against Ukraine in Napoli, Italy.

Australia's women will take on the USA for gold as they look to defend their title earned in 2017.

https://twitter.com/AUSUniroos/status/1148680558471520261

In a tight contest across the first three quarters in which neither team led by more than 6 points, the Ukraine used a 12-0 run at the start of the fourth to gain control before holding off the UniRoos' final challenge to clinch the right to play for gold.

Will Magnay impressed in delivering 20 points and 16 rebounds to help keep pace with their opponents throughout. Jack White continued his solid tournament in adding 13 points and 8 rebounds, and despite a flurry of points from Dejan Vasiljevic (17 points) down the stretch and some three-point attempts finally dropping, Australia made one final challenge. Desperation attempts to force overtime came up short, relegating the Australians to the bronze medal game.

The UniRoos hit just 4-23 three-pointers in the outing while the Ukraine hit 12-25 from long distance, ultimately proving the difference between the two sides [Box Score].

The Emerging Boomers will take on Israel for bronze early on Friday morning (1:30am AEST), a side they lost to by 28 points in their opening game of the tournament. Israel lost to the USA by just 2 points in their own heart-breaking semifinal loss, setting up a rematch with Australia.

While the Emerging Boomers will playoff for bronze, the Australian women take aim at gold on Thursday morning (4am AEST) when they play the USA in the final. They are looking to defend their title from the 2017 edition of the games, and enter the final with confidence having progressed undefeated.

Both Australian medal games will be broadcast live online via www.fisu.tv

2019 World Universiade Australian Schedule (all times AEST)

July 3: Emerging Opals def. Finland 68-51

July 5: Emerging Opals def. Canada 85-51

July 5: Emerging Boomers def. by Israel 64-92

July 5: Emerging Opals def. China 90-84

July 5: Emerging Boomers def. Mexico 105-62

July 7: Emerging Boomers def. Czech Republic 88-59

July 8: Quarter-Final- Emerging Opals def. Chinese Taipei 81-72

July 9: Quarter-Final- Emerging Boomers def. Argentina 73-64

July 9: Semi-Final- Emerging Opals def. by Portugal 56-49

July 10: Semi-Final- Emerging Boomers def. by Ukraine 80-82

July 11: Gold Medal Game- Emerging Opals vs. USA at 4:00am

July 12: Bronze Medal Game - Emerging Boomers vs. Israel at 1:30am