Emerging Opals defeat USA to snare Universiade gold
The Emerging Opals have defeated the USA 80-72 to go through the 2019 World University Games undefeated and claim a second consecutive gold medal.
https://twitter.com/AUSUniroos/status/1149044902963097606
A 23-2 run spanned the third and fourth periods set up the memorable victory, with Abbey Wehrung the architect providing 8 of those points. The Bendigo Spirit WNBL star finished with a game-high 23 points and 11 assists, and was ably supported by Lauren Scherf's 16 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists, and Keely Froling's 12 points and 7 rebounds.
In what proved to be a hotly contested game, it was the UniRoos who got on the fornt foot early, with Wehrung and Scherf setting up an early 10 point lead. The USA however fought back to keep things close, yet some excellent defensive plays right before half time saw the Australians leading by 3 at half time despite being unable to hit from beyond the three-point arc.
The USA stole the lead early in the third term, yet the Emerging Opals finally got fire from long range, with Maddi Rocci (8 points), Wehrung and Steph Reid (7 points) all hitting from deep as they marched to victory [Box Score].
https://twitter.com/FISU/status/1149045859964870656
With the Australian women securing back-to-back Universiade gold, the attention now turns to the Emerging Boomers who are playing for bronze against Israel at 1:30am AEST on Friday morning, with the game being broadcast live via the Olympic Channel.
Emerging Opals and Boomers Schedule and Results (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 def. USA 80-72
July 12: Bronze Medal Game- Emerging Boomers vs. Israel at 1.30am