Spain defeats Australia 89-66 to reach World Cup semifinals

Spain defeated Australia 89-66 in the quarter-finals of the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in Berlin, securing a spot in the semifinals to face the United States. Spain established an early lead, scoring 31 points in the first quarter and maintaining a 21-point advantage by halftime. Megan Gustafson led the Spanish scoring with 16 points.

Australia, known as the Opals, exited the tournament facing significant roster challenges. The team played without captain Ezi Magbegor due to a knee injury, as well as Alanna Smith, Jade Melbourne, Sami Whitcomb, and Cayla George. Australian players Alex Wilson and Chloe Bibby each contributed 13 points in the loss.

Opals head coach Sandy Brondello identified a lack of size and high turnover rates as critical issues for the team. Brondello noted that the tournament served as a rebuilding period, featuring seven first-time participants in a major tournament, and emphasized the need to find solutions for the front court ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.