How Sapphires turned loss into another rose gold

• ‍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
• Game 7: Rose Gold Sapphires: Olivia's dagger three denies Canada

Australian Sapphires head coach Tom Garlepp has revealed how his team turned the disappointment of a semi-final loss into adding another 'rose gold' medal into the country's trophy cabinet just 24 hours later.

Going into the FIBA Under-17 Women's World Cup semi-finals, it was all set-up for a blockbuster gold medal clash between the USA and the Australian Sapphires. The Sapphires pushed the US all the way in the group stages, losing by just two points, but Australia hit a major roadblock in Spain in the semi-final - ending any chances of a green and gold world championship.

But their tournament wasn't done, there was still a bronze medal in sight, and a chance to follow what the Australian Crocs did just weeks ago in the FIBA U17 Men's World Cup.

And Garlepp's team responded, beating Canada 64-57 to claim third spot and once again stamp Australia's reputation as one of the best basketball nurseries in the world.

"After the semi-final loss it was difficult but it’s never as bad or even as good as you think," Garlepp told basketball.com.au.

"I simply told them I appreciated that they went for it, and sometimes you fall short, but how awesome we can play for a medal tomorrow."

The Sapphires had been led by a particular core throughout the tournament, headlined by tournament All-Star Five member Madison Ryan as well as the Defensive Player of the Tournament in Olivia Olechnowicz, who also was named in the World Cup's All-Star Second Team, and guard Isabel Smith.

But Australia had others stand up in the bronze medal game to help the Sapphires take home a medal and Garlepp said that was probably the best thing about their final game.

"Today showcased the teams depth," he said.

"Jemyma Manyok, Jay Sebasio, Daisy Hocking all played important roles and helped us to secure the result.

"The future of Australian women’s basketball is in a good spot."

Reflecting on the tournament where the Sapphires recorded dominant wins over Latvia and Côte d'Ivoire before pushing the USA all the way then following it up with knockout stage wins over Germany, Japan and Canada - Garlepp said the team deserved to come away with a medal from a "challenging" tournament.

"I feel really good about the bronze," he said.

"We had a tournament that was really challenging, we faced a very high variance in playstyles, pushed the worlds best, and mixed in some quality wins.

"All in all the girls walking away with something is a good feeling.

"The team really supported each other and enjoyed the experience which was a difference maker. Losing a couple of emotional games is hard but bouncing back required positivity and they were able to create internally which was awesome."