GB women push Australia right to the wire
It was another creditable performance by the Great Britain women’s team as they pushed the Australian team right into the last quarter in their third match of the tournament.
After narrow defeats to both The Netherlands, and Canada in their previous matches Great Britain’s women were out to prove a point. It was another close run match and with not much between the two teams but Great Britain just struggled to finish and make their possession count.
In the first quarter Great Britain put on a very solid defensive display and kept Australia’s scoring low. They also forced a number of turnover and stole possession, and two free throws from Helen Freeman meant GB finished the half within three points 8- 5.In the second quarter Australia got into foul trouble allowing opportunities for both Amy Conroy and Freeman to convert from the free throw line, however it was the unconverted free throws that really hurt GB as Australia took a nine point advantage into half time 27 -18.
Great Britain were not disheartened by the score-line and came back strongly in the 3rd quarter, three unanswered baskets allowed them to get themselves back into the game with only 5 points the deficit which was helped by an exceptional performance from young 17 year old, Amy Conroy, who notched up 13 points. However 5 points remained the difference as they went into the final quarter, GB sensed they could still win the game but their fate was sealed as an excellent three pointer from Australia’s Kylie Gauci put them 8 points ahead, followed by Helen Freeman being fouled out the game meant the difference was too much for GB to make up.
Final Score 40 – 48.
Great Britain’s leading scorers were Amy Conroy with 13 points and Helen Freeman with 12 points and 15 rebounds whilst Cobi Crispin was Australia’s top scorer with 16 points.
Great Britain will play their last game of the pools against Mexico, who beat The Netherlands today, on Monday 12th July at 11.45
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