Opals through to World Cup Final

September 29, 2018 | Townsville Fire news

Australia will face the USA in the FIBA World Cup Final tomorrow morning after claiming a thrilling semi-final victory over Spain.

In a mouth-watering gold medal match-up, the Chemist Warehouse Opals, who claimed the 2006 title, will face-off against the USA, who have won the past two crowns in 2010 and 2014.

Riding on the brilliance of Liz Cambage once again, the Opals stunned the home crowd as they eliminated Spain 72-66.

Cambage was named the MVP after finishing with 33 points, 15 rebounds and four blocks, while three-time JCU Townsville Fire championship winner Cayla George enjoyed her best game of the tournament with nine points and 11 boards.

Trailing by eight points at the final change, the Opals came storming home as Cambage proved unstoppable but sent a scare through the Australian camp when she picked up a late technical – her fourth personal foul of the game – to put her in jeopardy of being tossed.

The former Melbourne centre held her nerve, however, as she proved a one-woman wrecking ball to guarantee Australia a return to the dais.

The USA enjoyed a more comfortable semi-final as they defeated Belgium 93-77, who will now play-off against Spain for bronze.

The Opals gold medal match will be broadcast live and exclusive on FOX SPORTS Australia from 5am tomorrow morning.

Click here to see full box scores between Australia and Spain.

World Cup schedule (all times AEST):

September 22: Australia def Nigeria 86-68
September 23: Australia def Argentina 84-43
September 25:
Australia def Turkey 90-64.
September 28: Australia def China 83-42 (QF)
September 29: Australia def Spain 72-66 (SF)
September 30: Australia v USA (Gold Medal Play-off)

Chemist Warehouse Australian Opals:

Bec Allen, Alex Bunton, Liz Cambage, Katie-Rae Ebzery, Cayla George, Tessa Lavey, Tess Madgen, Ezi Magbegor, Jenna O’Hea, Alanna Smith, Steph Talbot and Sami Whitcomb.