Aussie basketballers bounce into semis

Australia's basketballers have pulled out an amazing 23-20 victory in their quarter final clash with Brazil at Singapore's Scape Youth Space.

In what was a tough, physical encounter the Aussies hit the shots when it mattered most to take a three point victory and set up a mouth watering semi final against Team USA.

Hannah Kaser led the way with a 10 point haul, but all four girls were at the top of their game throughout the match as they continually drained clutch shots to keep their campaign alive.

The physicality of both teams was on show from the outset as some tight, tough defence stifled any early chances in the match.

Both teams hit a single free throw to start the match, before some good defence from the Aussies turned the ball over as Rosemary Fedjlevic fed Kaser in the key to get the games first field goal and give the Aussies the early lead.

Brazil levelled the scores at 3-3 immediately before the green and gold had their best sequence of the match, going on a 7-0 run.

Captain Olivia Bontempelli got the ball rolling with a signature turnaround jumper, before Mikhaela Donnelly drained a three as the shot clock expired midway through the first half to take it to 8-3.

Donnelly then did what the Aussies have been doing best, driving hard to the rim for the layup and a 10-3 lead.

The Brazilians remained composed though as they ended the half with a mini run as they reduced the deficit to three, with the Australians up at the break 10-7 up.

Brazil completed a 6-0 run, with what was a near perfect display from the free throw line throughout the match, as they got the score back to 10-9.

The teams continued to exchange leads, and it looked as though Brazil had gained the ascendency when Erika Leite hit from downtown to take the South Americans out to a 15-12 leave.

The Aussies continued to show their fighting spirit they have put on display throughout the tournament as Donnelly answered straight back with a three to level it back at 15-15.

All of a sudden both teams had found their range as Leite drained a three, before Kaser brought the scores back to 18-18 as she hit from way downtown.

Bontempelli soon restored the lead, at 20-18, for the green and gold as she drove hard to the ring for a layup and a chance at a three point play which she didn't convert.

Kaser extended the lead to four when she hit a long jumper with a little over a minute to play.

With the fouls stacking up, both teams went into the bonus as the Brazilians were good from the line to have the lead down to two, 22-20, with under a minute left in the contest.

Both teams remained physical and the points dried up before Leite looked for the win with 13 seconds to go.

The ball was fed out to the Brazilian sharp shooter who the Aussies stood off and gave a clear shot that bounced off the front of the rim and into the hands of a relieved Bontempelli.

The captain was fouled and hit the final point of the match to end the scores at 23-20 and give the Aussies the chance to take down the US in the semi finals.

"I thought it was going to be a battle and it definitely was," coach Kristy Flores said.

"Each game has got a bit harder and the girls have stepped up to the plate each time, so I'm really happy with how they've gone and how much they've learnt."

After a disappointing loss to the Japanese in the group stage, the Aussies have gotten better each game on their way to a semi final birth.

"We're improving as a team," Bontempelli said.

"We're adjusting to how we all play and we all know what we want to do out there."

The focus will now turn to tomorrow's match up with team USA, and while knowing the Americans will prove difficult opponents they are confident they can get past the form side of the competition.

"The US will be a really tough game but I think all us girls are capable of beating them, so we'll just come out and play our best game," defensive powerhouse Fedjlevic said.