20
Jul
U17 World Cup
Rose Gold Sapphires: Olivia's dagger three denies Canada
The Australian Sapphires celebrate winning the 2026 FIBA Under-17 Women's World Cup bronze medal on Monday, July 20 in Czechia. Photo: FIBA.com
Game Replays
Australia defeated Canada 64-57 to claim bronze at the FIBA U17 Women's World Cup.
- Game 1: Sapphires duo break steals record in World Cup opener
- Game 2: No.1 US escapes Sapphires late run
- Game 3: Manyok double-double powers Sapphires to knockout stages
- Game 4: Sapphires unleash 24-0 blitz to bury Germany early
- Game 5: 'Veteran' Madi Ryan leads Sapphires into semi-finals
- Game 6: Spain ends Sapphires’ title bid after brave comeback
Australian star Madi Ryan capped another outstanding international tournament with 15 points, eight rebounds and four assists as the Sapphires defeated Canada 64-57 to claim the bronze medal at the FIBA Under-17 Women's Basketball World Cup in Brno, Czechia.
Less than 24 hours after the heartbreak of their semi-final loss to Spain, Australia regrouped impressively to finish on the podium, overcoming a spirited Canadian fightback before producing the decisive plays in the closing minutes.
The United States won the World Cup, beating Spain 82-73.
Ryan again led from the front, while Olivia Olechnowicz delivered the biggest shot of the game. After Canada's Grace Pongang tied the scores at 55-55 with 1:33 remaining, Olechnowicz answered just 17 seconds later with a clutch three-pointer to restore Australia's lead, sparking a match-winning 9-2 finish.
Olechnowicz finished with 14 points, seven rebounds and three steals, while Isabel Smith added 13 points. Matilda Trout contributed eight rebounds and three assists as Australia dominated the glass 52-39, including an 18-5 advantage on the offensive boards.
The Sapphires controlled much of the contest, leading for more than 33 minutes after opening an early advantage. Australia built an 11-point lead midway through the third quarter before Canada mounted a comeback, using a 20-point third period to edge ahead 51-47 early in the fourth.
Australia responded with an 8-0 run, with Ryan scoring five points during the burst to swing momentum back in the Sapphires' favour.
The closing minutes showcased Australia's composure. The Sapphires committed no turnovers in the final five minutes, made all six of their free throws in crunch time and held Canada to just four points over the final 5:21.
Head coach Tom Garlepp also expanded his rotation after shortening it during the knockout rounds. Nine players logged at least eight minutes as Australia responded to the quick turnaround from the semi-final, with Jay Sebasio providing an important spark off the bench with eight points on 4-of-5 shooting.
The bronze medal caps a memorable tournament for Australia, which reached the semi-finals before falling to eventual finalists Spain.
Led throughout by Ryan, Olechnowicz, Trout and Smith, the Sapphires leave Brno with a podium finish and another strong indication of Australia's bright future in women's basketball.
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