It was not the gold medal they sought, a medal that has for so long eluded the Australian women’s basketball team. But on Sunday, midway through the final day of Paris 2024, the Opals returned to the Olympic podium for the first time in 12 years, beating Belgium by four points in a thriller to win bronze.
Ezi Magbegor starred for Australia with 30 points, shooting 71% from the field, along with 13 rebounds, three assists and two blocks. Julie Vanloo led the scoring for Belgium, contributing 26 points, while Fenerbahçe power forward Emma Meesseman tipped in 23 points.
