- The Opals lost their first match at the Olympics
- Australia was stunned by Nigeria
- It brings their medal campaign to the brink of collapse
The Opals have been defeated by Nigeria in a stunning Olympic basketball stunt, leaving Australia’s medal campaign at stake.
Third-placed Australia were beaten 75-62 by the African champions in Lille on Monday, with Sandy Brondello’s team losing the ball 26 times and making just eight of 18 free throws in a nightmarish opening game of their Games.
World number 12 Nigeria took full advantage by shooting from long range and overwhelming the weak Australian attack to achieve their biggest Olympic victory in basketball.
It’s a major blow to Lauren Jackson’s (six points, two rebounds in 12 minutes) hopes for a fifth medal in as many Games. The 43-year-old is back on the Olympic podium for the first time since the London 2012 edition.
On Thursday they will play against the world number 5, Canada, and on Sunday against the number 7, France. Only the top two teams from the group are assured of a place in the quarterfinals in Paris.
The Opals, who had not won a medal in the last two Olympic seasons, entered the tournament full of confidence, playing at will and leading 8-2 before things went wrong.
Losing the ball was contagious. Marianna Tolo was the only Opal who got playing time and didn’t lose the ball, while six of her teammates made two each.
The break couldn’t come soon enough. Nigeria’s high pressure caused quite a few headaches as the Opals kept giving up the ball as they moved around the pitch.
Australia were surprised by Nigeria in the women’s basketball in Paris
The Opals face an uphill battle to win a medal at the Olympics
An 11-0 run, led by 17 points from a pumped-up Ezinne Kalu (19 points), gave Nigeria a 41-28 lead at halftime.
Triples from Sami Whitcomb and Alanna Smith (15 points, seven rebounds) helped the Opals find their rhythm and quickly pulled within five points with a 12-4 start to the third period.
It became a two-point game early in the final period and an Opals lead seemed inevitable.
But once again the Australians were their own worst enemy. A fumble by Jackson under the hoop made it five points ahead as Nigeria’s Elizabeth Balogun hit a deep three-pointer at the other end.
Missed free throws were just as hard to stomach, with the Australians at one point making just one of six free throws, costing them another lead.
Nigerian captain Amy Okonkwo needed no further invitation, scoring a three-pointer to put her team ahead by seven in the final four minutes, and there were tears of joy afterwards.