Cambage leads Opals into World Cup final

Australia will play for the gold medal at the Women’s Basketball World Cup after a dramatic semi-final win over hosts Spain.

The Opals celebrate winning a point during the FIBA 2018 Women's Basketball World Cup semi-final match between Spain and Australia at the Santiago Martin arena in Tenerife. Picture: AFP

BASKETBALL: Australia will play for the gold medal at the Women’s Basketball World Cup after a dramatic 72-66 semi-final win over hosts Spain.

Centre Liz Cambage closed out a monster performance (33 points and 15 rebounds) with a lay-up in the final 30 seconds to secure the victory in Tenerife. The Opals will take on tournament favourites the United States in the final on Monday at 5.00am AEST.

Katie Ebzery dribbles up the court against Alba Torrens of Spain during the semi final match. Picture: AP

Facing their toughest opponent of the tournament so far, Australia started against Spain well but found themselves down by eight heading into the final quarter.

The Opals scored the next nine points to hit the front and with scores tied at 64-64 in the final minutes, Cayla George stepped up with a pair of free throws and a three-pointer.

Cambage then iced the game to break Spanish hearts and send Australia into their second World Cup final, after winning gold in 2006.

Spain's guard Marta Xargay vies with Australia's guard Samantha Allison Whitcomb during the FIBA 2018 Women's Basketball World Cup semi-final match between Spain and Australia. Picture: AFP

Australia jumped out of the blocks to build a 15-point advantage in the opening quarter but Spain came roaring back, capitalising on Cambage’s early foul trouble to take the lead on the final play of the first half. Spain had the Opals on the ropes after reeling off a 23-16 third quarter with veteran point guard Laia Palau nailing a late a shot from beyond the three-point line to put her side up 58-50.

But Australia kept their composure in the final quarter with Cambage’s presence and George’s late cameo crucial in the victory.

The US won their way to the gold medal game after defeating Belgium 93-77 in their semi-final.

Spain's guard Cristina Ouvina vies with Australia's centre Liz Cambage and Australia's guard Katie-Rae Ebzery. Picture: AFP

The Opals made another dynamic start with Cambage and Bec Allen combining for 14 of Australia’s first 18 points on the way to a 21-6 lead.

But strong play at both ends of the floor from Spanish centre Astou Ndour sparked a 7-0 run to see Australia’s lead reduced to 23-15 by the close of the quarter.

The hosts cut further into Australia’s lead in the second term and with Cambage on the bench with two fouls, Alba Torrens fired up the crowd with back-to-back three-pointers to level the scores.

Australia's guard Tess Madgen (R) vies with Spain's guard Anna Cruz during the FIBA 2018 Women's Basketball World Cup semi-final match. Picture: AFP

Cambage returned to the court and put Australia back in front from the free- throw line but Ana Cruz’s final-second jump shot put Spain ahead 35-34 at halftime.

The Opals regained the lead in the third quarter before Spain countered to grab the advantage.

The Aussies powered home with a 22-8 final quarter to prevail.

— AAP