Alanna Smith scored 22 points and pulled down 13 rebounds to lead Australia to a convincing 85-67 victory over Serbia and into the Olympic women’s basketball semi-finals on Wednesday.
The Aussies, silver medallists in 2000, 2004 and 2008, are into the semi-finals for the first time since 2012, when they earned bronze.
They will face either the United States or Nigeria on Friday for a place in the final.
The United States are chasing an unprecedented eighth straight Olympic title — which would break a tie with the US men’s basketball team for the most consecutive gold medals set from 1936-68.
Meanwhile Nigeria have already made history in Paris by becoming the first African country to reach the knock-out rounds.
USA coach Cheryl Reeve said depth of talent is the foundation of the US dynasty. That depth allowed Reeve to make wholesale substitutions to turn things around after a slow start offensively in their group win against Germany.
“The athleticism and the skill level they can bring in off the bench, I mean you’re bringing Brittney Griner off the bench,” German coach Lisa Thomaidis said. “I mean that’s just, that’s just another level.
“So yeah I mean they’re the best team in the world for a reason.”
Germany, in the quarter-finals in their Olympic debut, will face France for a place in the semis, the winner advancing to play either Spain or Belgium.
A day after Serbia rallied to see off Australia’s Boomers in the men’s quarter-finals, the Opals turned the tables in convincing fashion, building on the momentum of two straight group wins after a stuttering start to the competition.
Australia connected on 58 percent of their shots in the first half, out-scoring Serbia 22-11 in the second quarter to take control for good.
Smith added four assists, two steals and two blocks and Jade Melbourne and Cayla George scored 18 points apiece for Australia, who led 48-32 at halftime.
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