In an incredible game, the Australian Opals were stopped at the very end by China with a scoreline of 59-61. The Opals fought back from a six-point deficit at halftime to tie the game at several moments in the fourth quarter.

The star for the Opals was the dynamic Sami Whitcomb who scored 15 points with a determined perimeter attack, knocking down some hugely important shots throughout the game.

Whitcomb's offence was supplemented by Australia's personal storm of Ezi Magbegor and Steph Talbot. The two WNBA stars put up 12 points each and Talbot seemed to be involved at every key moment in the game.

Ezi Magbegor shot at a very efficient 60 per cent from the field and showed great determination throughout the game when having to cover the dangerous 206cm Han Xu.

22 year-old Xu scored a game-high 19 points at an incredible 80 per cent from the field and a remarkable efficiency rating of 33. The Chinese team showed their discipline and composure which was ultimately enough to hold on against the Opals.

With one more game against Canada for the bronze medal, Australia will be looking to bounce back once again in a big way and come away with the 'rose gold' on home soil.

The Australian Opals will face Canada in the bronze medal game of the FIBA Women's World Cup on Saturday, October 1 from 1pm.

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