Gems come second...
Link: http://linky.com.au/c2mgd
The Aussies burst out of the blocks but were run down by France in the second half despite a game high 28-point haul from Rachel Jarry.
Both teams came out blazing in the opening quarter. Gems forward Jarry was a huge target inside to have 15 points in the first term.
France came out with some extra pressure on the defensive end in the second quarter which slowed the Australian girls but the Gems managed to hold on to a one point lead going into the long break.
In the third quarter the Gems struggled to contain France's penetration and Stephanie Cumming hit some long baskets to keep the Aussies in it but momentum swung to the host team as the Gems finished the third quarter five points behind, 61-56.
The Aussies began to tire in the fourth quarter and struggled to put the ball in the hoop, allowing France to run away with the victory.
"This tournament was another important stepping stone in our preparation for Worlds in July. The competition allows us to evaluate our performance under tournament conditions; consistency and more balanced contributions will be the key to success," Gems head coach Dean Kinsman said.
FRANCE 76 (A Verneroy 15, E Niamve 14, I Stuna 12) bt
AUSTRALIA 64 (R Jarry 28 (7 rebounds), S Cumming 11, R Moult 7)
