‘Outrageous’: Lauren Jackson dominates as Australia cruises into World Cup semis

Australia will play for a medal at the women’s basketball World Cup after Lauren Jackson turned back the clock in a vintage display.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 29: Lauren Jackson of Australia reacts during the 2022 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup Quarterfinal match between Australia and Belgium at Sydney Superdome, on September 29, 2022, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Kelly Defina/Getty Images)

Australia will play for a medal at the FIBA women’s basketball World Cup after thrashing Belgium 86-69 in the quarterfinals on Thursday night.

The Opals came out of the blocks firing and went on a 13-point run to take a 26-16 lead after the first quarter.

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Lauren Jackson has been playing limited court time coming off the bench during her comeback but she proved she’s still got it in a dominant first half performance.

The 41-year-old nailed a vintage three-pointer at the top of the arc and gave the Opals a spark on both ends of the court.

Turning back the clock, Jackson was the focal point of everything in attack as she picked up eight points in the first half — finishing the game with 12 points, two steals and a block from just 14 minutes.

Lauren Jackson is the GOAT for a reason. (Photo by Kelly Defina/Getty Images)

Basketball fans were in awe of the throwback performance by the greatest Australian player of all time.

ESPN’s Kane Pitman tweeted: “Lauren Jackson’s per minute production continues to be ridiculous.”

CODE Sports’ Lachlan McKirdy said: “The Opals know how to go on a run and it always seems to be when Jackson is on the court.”

Having Lauren Jackson coming off the bench and shooting 3s seems unfair #opals

— Greg Jericho (@GrogsGamut) September 29, 2022

The casual 8 points in 8 minutes for Lauren Jackson in the first half.
Get the feeling Sandy Brondello would like to not have to use her in the second half of this one. #FIBAWWC

— Hayley Wildes (@wildes_hayley) September 29, 2022

Opals 🔥

Lauren Jackson, still 🤌🏽 #FIBAWWC@ESPNAusNZhttps://t.co/cyFQbBlfOj

— Trent Copeland (@copes9) September 29, 2022

LJ.
Outrageous.
So much to love about what you bring.#FIBAWWC

— neen (@Janine__Graham) September 29, 2022

But it wasn’t just Jackson who did the damage for the Opals.

Sara Blicavs set the tone in the first quarter and Cayla George was on absolute fire with 19 points and nine rebounds.

The Opals will play for a medal at the World Cup. (Photo by Kelly Defina/Getty Images)

It was Australia’s most complete performance of the World Cup so far and the Opals are now on a five-game winning streak after losing their opening game to France.

Australia will face powerhouses China in the semi-finals on Friday night (7.30pm AEST) — a win will give the Opals a shot at the gold medal and a loss will see them fight for bronze.

Tournament favourites USA will take on Canada in the other semi-final (5pm AEST).

Days after she was crunched in the ribs, Bec Allen warmed up and but was clearly sore when she briefly came onto the court and spent the rest of the game on the bench.