The Sapphires rounded out the group stage in emphatic fashion, cruising to an 89-37 victory over C\u00f4te d\u2019Ivoire to finish with a 2-1 record ahead of the Round of 16.<\/p>\n
Australia wasted no time taking control, racing out to an 0-8 start before opening up a lead of more than 20 points in the opening quarter. Madison Ryan and Isabel Smith set the tone offensively with six points apiece in the opening term as the Sapphires held a commanding 7-30 advantage at the first break.<\/p>\n
The momentum continued in the second quarter, with Olivia Olechnowicz and Sohie Richardson finding their range from beyond the arc. A dominant defensive display limited C\u00f4te d\u2019Ivoire\u2019s scoring opportunities, helping the Sapphires head into halftime with a comfortable 46-19 lead.<\/p>\n
Ryan continued to impress in the third quarter, despite reduced minutes, while Australia\u2019s depth was on full display as head coach Tom Garlepp rotated through the squad without a drop in intensity.<\/p>\n
The Sapphires maintained their defensive pressure throughout the entire second half as Jemyma Manyok made her presence felt in the paint with a string of blocks. Stretching the lead to over 50, Jasmine Jones provided a further spark off the bench by knocking down five of her seven attempts from three point range as the Sapphires closed out a dominant 37-89 victory.<\/p>\n
Five Australians ended in double digits:<\/p>\n
Jasmine Jones – 15 PTS, 5\/7 3PT\u00a0
Jemyma Manyok – 13 PTS, 11 REB, 5 AST, 4 BLK, 4\/5 FG, 38+
Sophie Richardson – 12 PTS
Madison Ryan – 12 PTS
Olivia Olechnowicz – 10 PTS, 7 AST, 5 STL<\/p>\n
The win sees the Sapphires enter the knockout stages with confidence, with their attention now turning to a Round of 16 clash against Germany.<\/p>\n
Remaining group stage games:<\/p>\n
DATE<\/p>\n
GAME<\/p>\n
TIME (AEST)<\/p>\n
15 July<\/p>\n
VS GER<\/a><\/p>\n TBC<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Where to watch:<\/p>\n All games are available to watch Live on FIBA YouTube<\/a>.<\/p>\n