The Australian women’s basketball team qualified for the quarterfinals of the Tokyo Olympics with a dramatic 96:69 (22:24, 23:20, 23:8, 28:17) victory over Puerto Rico. The Australians, who have been medalists in five of the last six Olympics, needed a victory by at least 24 points over the Puerto Ricans to secure a place in the quarterfinals as one of the top two third teams.
The Australians reached the necessary lead only in the last minute of the match, when Mariana Tolo scored under the basket for 93:69, and shortly after that Cayla George scored a basket plus a foul. By halftime, the game in the match was completely equal and Australia led by only 1 point at 45:44.
In the second 20 minutes, however, the Puerto Rican forces ran out, which led not only to their elimination but also to that of the Canadian team, which turned out to be the weakest third team in the groups.
Mariana Tolo was the most useful for Australia’s victory with 26 points and 17 rebounds, and Cayla George finished with 19 points. Jenna O’Hea added 15 more points to win. For Puerto Rico, Jazmon Gwathmey scored 26 points and Pamela Rosado added 13.
In the other Group C match, which was a direct clash for first place, China beat Belgium 74:62 (17:21, 21:16, 21:15, 15:10). The match was not significant, as both teams managed to secure a place among the teams placed in the draw for the quarterfinals of the tournament. The Chinese, who finished the group stage with three wins and the best performance of all 12 teams, showed a very good game in defense after the break, which allowed them to reach victory.
Yueru Li was the top scorer for China in the match with 14 points, and Meng Li added 11 points, for Belgium Emma Meessemanscored 24 points.
Later today is the draw for the quarterfinals.
