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00:00They battle for the final spot, and a date with Spain would be next for the winner.
00:05We've got it covered here at Berlin Arena.
00:08Here is your up-to-date bracket.
00:09We know seven countries already set for the quarterfinals.
00:13This is our final quarterfinal qualifier ahead of a busy Thursday in Berlin.
00:21Sarah, we take a look at Italy.
00:23Cecilia Zandalicini has to bring it for the Italians.
00:27Well, scoring has not been easy to come by for Italy, and if anyone's going to do it, it's been
00:32Zandalicini.
00:33You see it in the numbers.
00:34She's leading the team in scoring.
00:35She's got size and ability to get you from the outside and the inside, but the efficiency needs to continue
00:42to improve,
00:43not only for Zandalicini, but overall for this Italy team to try and keep up with an Australian group
00:49that has really found a lot of rhythm and confidence, in particular behind Eze Magmagor.
00:55We've seen her have a tremendous season with the Seattle Storm, 27 years old.
00:59She's 6'3", and she's got size.
01:02She can slash.
01:03She can knock it down from the outside.
01:05She has been highly efficient for Australia, a great amount of versatility for a group who has got a lot
01:11of scoring in the paint.
01:12Mac Begore, the first-time captain for the Opals, one of four WNBA players featured in their starting five.
01:20As for Italy, Costanza Verona leads the way, setting up the offense at the point guard position.
01:27Kubai also spent some time in the WNBA.
01:33Great to have you with us.
01:35We're set for basketball.
01:36One ticket left to the quarters, and then we are down to the last eight.
01:40Let's go, baby.
01:42It's been a fun tournament so far.
01:44Of course, here's Sandy Brindello.
01:46She's been head coach of this Opals team for quite some towns.
01:50She's had a lot of success, not only with Australia, but also in the WNBA.
01:58Sandy's been at the helm for Australia since 2017.
02:01She was very honest about Australia's last game against Belgium.
02:05They were clearly the better team, and we went away from what our identity is.
02:10Let's see how they respond.
02:14Isabel Bourne, 34, in green.
02:17Toss in the paint.
02:18Mac Begore backs it home.
02:20That's been the bread and butter.
02:21We already talked about what Mac Begore can do, but where Australia is at their best is when they're able
02:27to attack and get it on the inside.
02:29They've knocked down three-point shots, but they are a predominant paint point team.
02:35Australia has the second-best field goal percentage at this World Cup, 47%.
02:40Tangled up inside.
02:42They've packed the paint defensively.
02:45Stepped through by Zandalasini.
02:47Tried to bank it home, but she's fouled.
02:49And she'll head to the free-throw line.
02:50And a good way to get things started for Italy is do everything they can to try and be aggressive.
02:56It's just here getting to the basket.
03:00Zandalasini able to embrace some of that contact and a big loss.
03:05For Australia, Alana Smith just announced that she will miss the remainder of the World Cup tournament.
03:12Dealing with a lower leg injury.
03:15Sounded hopeful to return, but we will not see Alana Smith for the rest of this tournament.
03:21Zandalasini's numbers through the group stage.
03:25How does Italy generate points?
03:27Getting to the line, not a bad idea for Andrea Capo Bianco, who's got Italy in its first World Cup
03:33since 1994.
03:35They wreak havoc on defense.
03:37Heads up play by Verona.
03:39And maybe that's an answer to your question, Brendan.
03:42How do they create points?
03:44They're going to need to do it off of their defense.
03:46Can they create some turnovers, points off of turnovers, make it a possession game?
03:54And they've got players that they can score.
03:56They've just not done so with a high level of efficiency or really found a rhythm to it.
04:01And Keyes makes it rain.
04:04Italy leads by three.
04:05Of course, they had the United States on the ropes in their middle game of group stage competition.
04:11Rack attack by Stephanie Talbot of the Las Vegas Aces.
04:16Madden will be saying her name a lot as well today.
04:19Talked about Magda Gore.
04:21Talbot at almost 15 points per game, and she has been highly efficient as well.
04:2667% shooting, leading rebounder as well for Australia.
04:31On the kickout, back inside.
04:33Footwork, Kubai, reverse, trickles off the iron.
04:36Grabs it back and scores.
04:39A really nice job staying with the play.
04:41Because those are the things that Italy needs to shore up
04:45if they have opportunities around the basket to be able to capitalize.
04:48Talbot puts the head down and banks it in.
04:53Talbot's in her 11th year with the senior team.
04:56Three Olympic appearances to go with the World Cup stage.
05:0416 total World Cup appearances for Australia.
05:07Turnaround jumper.
05:08Offensive rebound, Italy.
05:10And there's contact.
05:11Magda Gore on the box out.
05:13Caught a bit of the hit of Kubai.
05:15Kubai so far is then working on the inside.
05:19See her here flying in.
05:21Magda Gore doesn't see her coming.
05:23It doesn't get a body on her.
05:25And again, it circles back to an Italy team.
05:28If they can find ways to generate, say, easier baskets,
05:32but easier baskets through points off turnovers,
05:35second chance opportunities, things like that,
05:37sometimes you start to see the ball go through,
05:38and then hopefully that will open up your offense a little bit more.
05:42Zatina Ayakusu checks in for Australia.
05:46The 6'3", 27-year-old center.
05:49Keys flicks it up.
05:50No good.
05:52Jade Melvin collapses on the basketball.
05:56Australia's leader in assists scans the defense.
06:00Down one.
06:01Two and a half minutes in.
06:02The winner faces Spain in the quarters on Thursday.
06:05Stop and start Alex Wilson.
06:07No.
06:07The cleanup by Ayakusu.
06:13Ayakusu does a really nice job
06:16in creating a good angle with her thighs.
06:19Watch right here.
06:21Just follows that play, follows the layup.
06:25Engagement by Wilson as she drives and penetrates to draw to.
06:29She can't get it to go, but there's a wide-open look.
06:36This is the free throw short.
06:38Australia's lead one.
06:42The Opals earned bronze at the last World Cup
06:45in Sydney, Australia.
06:48Silver in 2018.
06:50Bronze in 2014.
06:52They won it back in 06.
06:54The United States lost to Russia.
06:55They'll end up winning bronze in that game.
06:57Zanilacini, this is the three-pointer short.
06:59A little back and forth in the first three minutes.
07:05Ayakusu.
07:06Plows in the paint, knocked away.
07:09Zanilacini on the move.
07:11Euro.
07:12And on the gather, Wilson a heads-up play defensively.
07:15Great job on the quick get-back.
07:17Talbot leaks out, and she gets drilled by Keys.
07:21Stephanie Talbot will go to the free throw line.
07:24And what a job, though, for Australia.
07:26We're talking a lot about Italy's defense.
07:28That's an area that Australia could be firm with as well.
07:33And they're on the run.
07:35Talbot quick with the leak out.
07:37Great advancement.
07:39This Australia team, through the course of this World Cup play,
07:42has averaged more than 14 points off turnover.
07:44So that's also an aspect of areas and things that they try and generate
07:49a little bit more pace in how they're playing.
08:05Talbot splits the trip.
08:10Heard our studio crew talk about Italy's struggles offensively.
08:14Nice idea by Verona, but just could not put it home.
08:18It's been a lot of that being.
08:22Just 55 points per game.
08:25That's fewest at the World Cup.
08:27McBegor wants a paint touch.
08:28She is swarmed.
08:29And finds the slasher.
08:31And Ayokuso is fouled.
08:34She'll go back to the free throw line.
08:36McBegor, an excellent passer.
08:38We watched her at Unrival this past winter for Hive.
08:42Mobile and very savvy.
08:45Well, and there's just so much to her game.
08:47She's continued to develop it.
08:50Talked about her facilitation.
08:52I think at that size, too,
08:54as she's grown in areas on the floor
08:56that she can be really versatile.
08:59Australia, as well.
09:01You look at that possession.
09:02Italy's kind of going back and forth,
09:03and we've seen this through the course of the tournament.
09:05Playing some man, playing some zone.
09:07They really are going to try and pack it in the paint.
09:10And I anticipate seeing a lot more zone here today
09:13against Australia.
09:14Force them to knock down some outside shots
09:17before they pull out and extend that defense.
09:21Now, Kuso takes care of business out the line.
09:23Australia now 3 for 5 at the stripe up by 4.
09:26Four minutes gone by in this first quarter.
09:29A quarterfinal qualifier.
09:31One ticket left for the quarterfinals.
09:34Keys camped out in the pocket.
09:36He's already hit a 3 today.
09:38Missed that one short.
09:39Magmagor propels the offense.
09:41Wants to do it herself.
09:42Magmagor is fouled.
09:44Italy has found itself in foul trouble here.
09:47Magmagor tripped up.
09:49Kubai commits the personal.
09:59Take a look right here.
10:01Magmagor is on the push.
10:03Watch that right lay.
10:06Yeah, you see the grimace on her face
10:10immediately start to hop on one foot.
10:20One, two, three, up.
10:22One, two, three, up.
10:25One, two, three, up.
10:26Izzy Magmagor.
10:27Get in on my breath.
10:30Australia staff assists Izzy Magmagor.
10:34First time captain for the Opals.
10:37She was so emotional ahead of this tournament
10:39when named captain.
10:41Her rise through the program and
10:45she is being helped off the floor.
10:55The crowd builds her
10:58back to the sideline.
11:03Australia already down Alana Smith
11:05and now Sandy Brondello down her team captain.
11:08Yeah, more than anything though
11:09and we'll continue to monitor all this
11:11but you feel for the player
11:15and the individual
11:15and you certainly hope
11:18that she's all right
11:19and that that is really tough
11:22as you already saw the numbers
11:23that Smith brings to the table.
11:25We have talked at length
11:26to do with crew as well
11:28the impact that Magmagor has on the floor.
11:36Just devastating.
11:37Magmagor leading score
11:40was their main source of offense
11:42in the Belgium game
11:43to wrap up group stage play.
11:45She scored 15 points.
11:47She's started for the senior national team
11:49since that 2018 World Cup.
11:51She's been along for the ride
11:53with Sandy Brondello
11:54and several of her teammates.
11:578-0 Australia run
11:58leading by five.
11:59Keys
12:00trying to zip a bounce pass
12:03to Kubai
12:04deflection Australia
12:05four on the shot clock
12:06for Italy.
12:08For Italy an opportunity
12:09for a quick hit play here
12:13and their baseline out of bounds.
12:15See if they can try
12:17and generate a little bit of momentum
12:18on this offensive side.
12:23Verona
12:24to Zandalicini
12:26spins
12:27fall away.
12:31Chased down
12:32by Talbot
12:344-v-4
12:35the other way.
12:38Isabelle Borlase
12:38of the Atlanta Dream.
12:41She shined
12:42in the WNBL
12:43as the MVP
12:46last offseason
12:47and
12:47she tosses it out of bounds.
12:49Just get her feet wet
12:51here in this opening quarter.
12:52I think that's going to be a part of it
12:53and also
12:55we'll see
12:56the circumstance and situation
12:58with Magdegor
12:58but the amount of minutes
13:00that she plays
13:00and the usage
13:03that she brings
13:04there's going to be
13:04a little bit of acclimation
13:06process here for Australia
13:07as they try and work
13:08through the pieces.
13:10Verona fires.
13:12Three-pointer short
13:13Italy now
13:14one for four
13:15from Deet
13:16and two of 11 overall
13:17Borlase
13:18a rack attack
13:19Euro to the cup.
13:20Great strong take
13:21by Borlase.
13:22You want to talk about
13:23setting the tone
13:24a great job
13:26in doing that
13:27the youngest player
13:28on the roster
13:28she's only 21 years old
13:31happy birthday to her
13:32she'll turn 22
13:33on Saturday.
13:35Vila
13:35gets it back
13:37Italy struggles
13:38from the field
13:40continue.
13:45Accuso
13:46back to Talbot
13:47flicks with the left hand
13:49Keys boxed out
13:50Talbot rips it away.
13:55Wilson's the veteran
13:56for Australia
13:56four in green and gold
13:58she's 32 years old
13:59high-low action
14:01the bigs connected
14:02and Fowler wishes
14:04she had that one back
14:05Italy ball.
14:05Yeah, no question
14:06tough for Australia
14:07to come up empty
14:08on that possession
14:09with how well
14:09they moved and shifted
14:11this Italy defense
14:12some great help
14:14from behind
14:14in the block
14:15by Zantosini
14:16off that play.
14:19Italy's missed
14:20its last eight shots
14:21down just seven
14:22though in this
14:23quarterfinal
14:23qualifying TNT
14:25sports coverage
14:26of the FIBA World Cup
14:27this was earlier
14:28in the first quarter
14:29Ezzie Magbagor
14:30a grimace
14:31as she
14:34awkwardly went
14:34towards the baseline
14:35shaken up
14:36on that play
14:37Magbagor
14:38left the game
14:38assisted by the
14:39training staff
14:40and try to keep
14:42you up to date
14:42on her progress
14:43if she will return
14:45just a tough blow
14:47for the Opals
14:48yeah, we'll wait
14:49to see the severity
14:50see Sandy Berndello
14:52going over
14:52to her
14:53for the Opals
14:55say it again
14:56for Ezzie herself
14:57great to see her
14:58there
14:59in the back hallway
15:00at least walking
15:01under her own power
15:04and as soon as
15:05we get information
15:06we will share
15:07that overall
15:08the importance
15:09of her
15:10and still
15:10head only for this
15:12World Cup tournament
15:13what Australia
15:14wants to accomplish
15:15continuing the WNBA
15:16season
15:17as she's a huge
15:18member of the
15:19Seattle Storm
15:23she's catapulted
15:24into a leader
15:25for a young
15:25Storm team
15:26as well
15:28teammates with
15:29Jane Melvin
15:29on Australia
15:31as well as
15:32Seattle
15:32we'll watch
15:32Dominique Molongo
15:33in the quarterfinals
15:37starting tomorrow
15:38bright and early
15:39for those on the
15:40East Coast
15:40and the West Coast
15:41as close
15:43but we got
15:44one quarterfinals
15:46spot remaining
15:47that's the battle
15:48here between
15:48Italy
15:49and Australia
15:50Italy now
15:510 for its last
15:529 from the floor
15:54Borle's deep
15:55in the paint
15:56tripped up
15:58another foul
15:59against Italy
16:00what you're saying
16:01is Australia
16:02do what they've
16:02done this entire
16:03World Cup tournament
16:04attack the basket
16:06they're getting
16:06in the paint
16:07they're doing so
16:08quick off the push
16:09Borle is a huge
16:10part of that
16:13as Italy does
16:14what they can
16:15and Hawn trying
16:16to show some
16:18bodies and some
16:18traffic
16:21but they will
16:22continue to be
16:22on the attack
16:23and they've only
16:25got a quickness
16:26to their game
16:27but you see it
16:27player by player
16:28size frame
16:29physicality
16:30to be able to
16:31find some of
16:31those driving
16:32lanes
16:44the run
16:46to 12-0
16:47for Australia
16:49up by 9
16:513.30 to go
16:52first quarter
16:54five Opals
16:56have scored
16:59Zandalicini
17:000 for 1
17:01from the floor
17:022 of 2
17:02at the line
17:03hangs in traffic
17:04and scores
17:05much needed
17:06for
17:07Cicci
17:08Zandalicini
17:08much needed
17:09and great to
17:11see her finish
17:12through that
17:12type of contact
17:13that's what's been
17:14missing at times
17:14with Italy
17:16first basket
17:17in five and a half
17:18minutes
17:18it's countered
17:19by Borles
17:20who is crafty
17:21in the paint
17:21she's got a good
17:24feel and a savviness
17:25once she gets
17:25the spots
17:26counter moves
17:27she's strong
17:27with her pivots
17:28and she can read
17:29a defense well
17:34Zandalicini
17:35long two
17:36short once again
17:37the contest
17:38by Australia
17:39Chloe Bibby
17:4055 into the
17:41ball game
17:42for Sandy
17:42Brondello
17:43and Australia
17:47on the flip
17:48back to Stephanie
17:48Reed
17:49who runs the
17:49point
17:50zigzags
17:51flips it
17:51over the
17:52shoulder
17:52swing it
17:53four lays
17:53into the paint
17:55fake one way
17:56now you see me
17:57now you do
17:57perfect example
18:00for a player
18:01that's 21 years old
18:03she does not get
18:03sped up
18:04she's got a ton
18:05of experience
18:07professionally
18:08she's had a
18:09huge year
18:10in the WNBL
18:12scoring crown
18:13MVP
18:15youngest in the
18:16league in 15 years
18:17you see it
18:17in her composure
18:18the main course
18:20not a side dish
18:21Borlays
18:22getting it done
18:23with Australia
18:24up 11
18:25see if they feed
18:26the hot hand
18:26she's got the
18:27ball
18:29Borlays
18:29pounded the rock
18:30but stolen away
18:33Mariela Santucci
18:34is powered by
18:35Bibby
18:36and Santucci's
18:37heading to the line
18:4122% of Italy's
18:42total points scored
18:43in this tournament
18:43have come off turnovers
18:45they need more of this
18:46some quick hands
18:47by Santucci
18:48she's on the run
18:50oh
18:53okay
18:54nice job here
18:55as we're looking
18:56at Borlays
18:57the show and go
18:59nice smooth move there
19:03she's got eight points
19:04Italy has nine
19:05as a country
19:08back to the free throw line
19:09and they're two for two
19:13unrivaled basketball
19:14is back
19:16for season three
19:16the fast-paced
19:17action-packed
19:18women's 3v3 league
19:19features
19:20Collier
19:21Beckers
19:21Gray
19:22all the action
19:23begins January
19:242027
19:25on TNT
19:26True TV
19:26and HBO Max
19:30hopefully we'll see
19:31as he back
19:32before back
19:33at some point
19:34she was with
19:35Hive Basketball Club
19:37last year
19:41inspiring leadership
19:43as the captain
19:44first-time captain
19:45of the Opals
19:46they're without
19:46Sammy Whitcomb
19:49who played in the
19:50qualifiers
19:51back in March
19:53but Whitcomb
19:54did not make
19:54the journey
19:55to Berlin
19:57Sandy Bondello
19:58very emotional
20:00sharing with
20:01Ezzie Magdegor
20:03agreed on
20:03by their peers
20:04that she was
20:05the right person
20:05to be the captain
20:06and again
20:07we can't say it enough
20:08we hope to see her
20:09back out here
20:09no question
20:10and you even
20:11mentioning that
20:12this Australia team
20:13of course
20:13a rich history
20:14and what they've
20:15accomplished
20:16in international play
20:17but there are
20:19some new faces
20:20new pieces
20:20that have been
20:21instrumental
20:21but kind of
20:23a changing
20:23in the garden
20:23what that looks like
20:24and a player
20:27like Sammy Whitcomb
20:28I had a Mercury
20:29game earlier
20:30this WNBA season
20:31and Nate Tibbetts
20:32of course
20:33who's an assistant
20:35on the USA team
20:37head coach
20:38at the Phoenix Mercury
20:39talked about
20:39Sammy Whitcomb
20:40before she was
20:41available to come back
20:42as it is
20:43she's by far
20:44the best leader
20:44that I've ever been around
20:46and I think
20:46it really speaks
20:47to just the way
20:49that it's not only
20:50the integral play
20:51that Australia's missing
20:52but the type of leadership
20:53she brings to the table
20:55Italy
20:56a take away
20:57Andre
20:58floats it home
20:59the captain
21:00for Italy
21:01it's at a 10 point game
21:05winner faces Spain
21:07in the quarterfinals
21:08tomorrow
21:09Thursday
21:12Australia
21:12had a date
21:13with Spain
21:14at a friendly
21:15in 2024
21:16they won that ballgame
21:1875-66
21:19they're used to this
21:20Italy
21:21meanwhile
21:22first appearance
21:23at the World Cup
21:23since 1994
21:25that's hard to believe
21:28their last major
21:29international event
21:30was the 96 Olympics
21:31they need more of this
21:33if they want a shot
21:34yeah
21:35and we saw this early on
21:36we've seen it in bits
21:37and pieces
21:38but that has got to be
21:40an aspect
21:41of what
21:42and how they play
21:47and they have the
21:48capabilities to do it
21:49but
21:50I think that's
21:51those sometimes
21:51where
21:52there's a
21:53a balance
21:54in how you're
21:55playing defensively
21:56when you're so
21:57concerned about
21:58protecting the paint
21:59what does that look like
22:00when you're also
22:00trying to match that
22:02with potentially
22:03pressuring the ball
22:04to create turnovers
22:05pawn dribble handoff
22:07Blossig
22:08off on the jumper
22:11collected by
22:12Iokuso
22:16ball screen action
22:17Borlase
22:18weaves in
22:20followed
22:21Borlase is already
22:224-4 at the line
22:24free throw attempts
22:255-6 on the way
22:26and she's got the key
22:28she has just been
22:29driving to the paint
22:31and making things happen
22:32fearless
22:34and it's a huge
22:35but we talked about
22:36despite being so young
22:38the experience that she has
22:41not only with this group
22:43but playing internationally
22:44she was just 19
22:45on that bronze medal team
22:46in Paris
22:47she had 11 points
22:48in the semis
22:49versus USA
22:51so she's got a level
22:52of comfort
22:53but it has been
22:53on display here
22:54this first quarter
23:0312 first quarter points
23:06for Isabel Borlase
23:1215 free throw attempts
23:14for Australia
23:16in the first quarter
23:20Blossig thought about it
23:21shot clock winding down
23:24Kazem
23:25drives
23:26flips it up
23:28and drew a blocking foul
23:33Alex Fowler
23:35first quarter
23:36wrong place
23:37wrong time
23:40and we got the
23:41Capo Bianco cam
23:42back
23:43on TNT Sports
23:46I love it
23:47when's the jacket
23:48coming off
23:48do you have a prediction
23:49when that might happen
23:50I'm surprised it's still on
23:52the stakes are very high
23:55tie's still on
23:56jacket's still on
23:58add that to the list
24:00of things
24:00that we're going to
24:01continue to monitor
24:02he had a viral interaction
24:03with Caitlin Clark
24:04in the USA game
24:05on Sunday
24:07exchanging pleasantries
24:08you know he's got an
24:10enthusiasm
24:11and you gotta love him
24:12for it
24:13how do you not want
24:13to play for that guy
24:15Pazza
24:15kick it out
24:18Italy now 1 for 7
24:20from 3
24:21Bibby
24:23first quarter's over
24:24Australia is doubling up
24:26Italy
24:26in this quarterfinal
24:28qualifier
24:29the winner makes
24:30the last game
24:30in Berlin
24:3426
24:35FIBA Women's Basketball
24:37World Cup
24:37here on TruTV
24:38numbers through
24:39the first quarter
24:42Australia
24:42plenty of trips
24:44to the free throw line
24:45they almost have
24:46as many free throw
24:47makes
24:48than Italy points
24:50and Brendan
24:50that goes hand in hand
24:51with how they play
24:52and how much they
24:53attack the paint
24:54attack the rim
24:55you saw the discrepancy
24:56as well
24:56in points
24:58in the paint
24:58you got 14
25:00for Australia
25:00so far
25:01just 6
25:01for Italy
25:02they had been
25:03getting to the front
25:04of the rim
25:04and it's either
25:05in many cases
25:06resulted in a basket
25:08or a trip
25:09to the line
25:11Isabel Borle
25:12is the leader
25:13in scoring
25:14right now
25:14there she is
25:15again
25:15with the drive
25:16to the rim
25:1714 points
25:18Borle is
25:19single-handedly
25:20outscoring Italy
25:22and we heard
25:23Tina, Renee
25:24and Lauren
25:25talk about this
25:25during the pregame
25:26show
25:27about Italy
25:28if they're going
25:29to have a tough
25:29time keeping up
25:30scoring
25:30with Australia
25:32can they defend
25:33them enough
25:34slow them down
25:34enough
25:35to try and
25:36make this a game
25:37granted we've got
25:38tons of time left
25:39but early on
25:40Italy hasn't been
25:42efficient from the
25:42field in scoring
25:43and they also have
25:44had a ton of
25:45trouble
25:45trying to slow down
25:46this Australia
25:47offense
25:48and Cusso
25:49hit the deck
25:50no whistle
25:51Bibby
25:51sidestep three
25:52short
25:53Borle
25:54oh she's human
25:56misses for the
25:56first time
25:57that might have
25:58been her best
25:59look of the night
26:00wow
26:04Italy catches a break
26:09into the post
26:11Obis Andre
26:12the captain
26:12spray it out
26:13Paza
26:13rattles
26:15center three
26:15just the second
26:17for Italy
26:17it'll take that
26:19great to see
26:20it's so great to
26:21see for Paza
26:21she still
26:22has not connected
26:24on a three-point
26:24shot
26:25through the course
26:26of this tournament
26:28relatively new
26:29to the national
26:30stage
26:30debuted
26:31in 2025
26:32at the Euro
26:33qualifiers
26:34Wilson tees
26:35one up
26:37offensive rebound
26:38Fowler
26:39powers it up
26:40offensive foul
26:44ultimate sacrifice
26:45by the Italy
26:47defense
26:48it's Alana
26:49Smith
26:49who wishes
26:51she could be out
26:51there
26:53beside herself
26:54as he magma
26:55Gore has
26:56headed to
26:56the Australia
26:57bench
26:59it's warm up
27:00Woody on
27:01Steph Calvert
27:03back for it
27:04to the
27:04Constance
27:05Aburre
27:078-08 to play
27:08in the half
27:09Australia's lead
27:1012
27:14biggest lead
27:1515
27:24Zandalicini
27:25out of the
27:25triple threat
27:27a toss
27:28to Pawn
27:29circles back
27:30outlet
27:31Zandalicini
27:32gotta go to work
27:33step back
27:34three
27:38Zandalicini
27:39now one for five
27:39from the floor
27:40shooting just
27:4120% from three
27:42entering competition
27:43today
27:43in this quarterfinal
27:45qualifier
27:46the winner
27:47faces Spain
27:48tomorrow
27:49yeah
27:49a lot of those
27:50shots
27:50especially from
27:51Zandalicini
27:52from three
27:53are tough
27:53contested ones
27:55Italy
27:56as you mentioned
27:57the lowest scoring
27:58team so far
28:00in World Cup
28:01play
28:02they also
28:03have the lowest
28:04three-point percentage
28:06it's been a
28:08huge difficulty
28:09for them
28:10to generate
28:11anything
28:11from deep
28:12and because of it
28:13teams have just been
28:14able to sit in the paint
28:15and try and slow them down
28:16it may just three
28:17three-pointers per game
28:19Talbot
28:20looks for some freedom
28:21fires a contested jumper
28:23long rebound to Italy
28:25they've got numbers on the
28:26break
28:26Pazza the dish
28:28and Verona is fouled
28:31good quick push
28:33great job by Verona
28:34trying to
28:36create a little something
28:39that's a lot about their
28:40ability to get to the line
28:42that's a good way to get
28:43things started
28:43it's a sufficient path
28:45considering their shooting
28:46woes
28:48it's fueled by their defense
28:49and everything will be
28:52see right there
28:54click on the push
28:56Australia's slow
28:57getting back in transition
28:58defense and that's
28:59so if Italy's not getting
29:01stopped
29:01it makes it even tougher
29:03playing against that set
29:04half-court defense
29:04by Australia
29:12really cool to watch
29:14the veterans
29:15provide teaching moments
29:17even for Smith
29:18who was inactive
29:19for the rest of this
29:20tournament
29:20out with a lower leg injury
29:22we watched Magpagor exit
29:25no official diagnosis
29:27happened late in the
29:28first quarter
29:31who knows
29:32if Australia takes care
29:35of business
29:35perhaps there's a way
29:37for Magpagor to return
29:38for the Opals
29:39first-time captain
29:40zone defense Italy
29:42with Andre holding down
29:43the fort in the paint
29:44Wilson
29:45spin move
29:46flings it
29:46short
29:48rebound pawn
29:50chance to cut it to
29:51single digits for Italy
29:56moving screen
29:57there was a push-off
29:58by Italy
30:04right in front of the
30:05official
30:09given the shooting
30:10this is
30:12there's still within
30:1310
30:14with so much time
30:15left here
30:16in this one
30:16so overall
30:17they've at least
30:18at the start of the
30:19second quarter
30:20kept Australia
30:21at bay
30:22in how well
30:23they had been scoring
30:24and showing more
30:25resistance at the ring
30:26let's not forget
30:27they were down 15
30:28to the United States
30:30and chipped away
30:31chipped away
30:32it was a one-possession game
30:34I don't think anyone
30:35forgets that game
30:35that's fair
30:37maybe they'd like to
30:38considering we are the
30:39U.S. home for
30:40World Cup action
30:42TNT Sports
30:44contested jumper
30:47Mila Soa
30:48of the Golden State
30:50Valkyries
30:52off on that one
30:53so now Australia
30:55has dipped slightly
30:57in their efficiency
30:58they came in with the
30:59second best field goal
31:00percentage only behind
31:01France
31:02in this FIBA World Cup
31:07one ticket left
31:08for the quarters
31:10it's going to go to
31:11one of these two
31:11great spin by Andre
31:14as the defense
31:15hit the deck
31:17it's an eight point game
31:19with six and change
31:20to go in the half
31:23really nice passing
31:24here by Italy
31:26they're trying
31:26to get some things going
31:28it started
31:28in the defensive end
31:30now within eight
31:30here in the second quarter
31:36welcome back
31:37to coverage
31:37of the FIBA
31:38Women's Basketball
31:39World Cup
31:40the slashing
31:41the takes around
31:42the basket by Australia
31:43has stood out
31:44in the first half
31:44absolutely
31:45this is characteristic
31:46of how they play
31:47they've done
31:48a great job
31:49in utilizing that
31:50real estate
31:50in the paint
31:51being really patient
31:51with it
31:52but over the course
31:53of the start
31:53of the second quarter
31:54into it
31:55Italy's done a much
31:57better job
31:57in protecting that paint
31:5916 points
32:00in the paint
32:01for Australia
32:02through the course
32:03of this game
32:04so far
32:04but they
32:06had early on
32:09some good looks
32:10and a good amount
32:11of it
32:11as they began
32:12the game
32:12and now
32:13there's been
32:13a little bit more
32:15substantial resistance
32:17for Coach Coppabianco
32:19and his crew
32:20from Italy
32:20on the other side
32:22Sandy Brondello
32:23was not shy
32:23to call out
32:24her squad
32:26after the Belgium loss
32:27said Belgium
32:28was clearly
32:28the better team
32:29we went away
32:30from our identity
32:31they have
32:34rekindled the fire
32:35in the paint
32:368 point game
32:38no look dish
32:40from Wilson
32:40inside
32:41for Fowler
32:43well done
32:43Italy going to that zone
32:45the passing
32:46is on point
32:47for Australia
32:48and finding the gap
32:49there along the block
32:51back to 10
32:54Australia has 23
32:56of its 30 points
32:57off the pine
32:58the reserves
32:59have come in
33:00ready to go
33:01shot clock to 5
33:02for Pawn
33:03in range J
33:05left it short
33:07Stephanie Talbot
33:08second leading score
33:10for Australia
33:10with Magpagor out
33:12she's got to continue
33:13to step up
33:15Wilson
33:16backpedals
33:18Talbot's got it
33:19finds the
33:20cutting big
33:21once again
33:22it's Fowler
33:24you've got to be ready
33:25if you're Italy
33:26for that weak side
33:28cut along the baseline
33:29in that dunker spot
33:30everyone's so pulled up
33:31and focused on the ball
33:34big part of a set
33:35in how I start your runs
33:36oh nice flick of the wrist
33:38by Andre
33:39Verona
33:40a midair feed
33:44Italy keeping pace
33:4510-point game
33:46it was once a 15-point lead
33:48for the Opals
33:51still zoned by Italy
33:53now rather Talbot
33:55connects
33:57that's what you love to see
33:59from Australia
34:00from Stephanie Talbot
34:01she's a three-point shooter
34:03she's not shot the ball
34:05as well as you would anticipate
34:06through the course of
34:07the first season here
34:09with the Las Vegas Aces
34:10in the WNBA
34:12back-to-back trips
34:13with threes
34:14Australia
34:14hit its first of the game
34:17and that's just the third
34:19for Italy
34:19and now both these teams
34:21that have not shot the three
34:22all that well
34:23starting to heat up
34:24a little bit
34:26four minutes to go
34:27in this first half
34:29bully ball
34:30take away pawn
34:37Zandalicini
34:38tight coverage
34:39by Fowler
34:40Zandalicini
34:41backs down
34:42Talbot comes to double
34:43there's a reach-in
34:44foul
34:44by Australia
35:11I'll tell you who's happy
35:13Zandalicini
35:13got the call
35:15it's controversy
35:16a couple days ago
35:17and Verona
35:19scoops it in
35:20and a foul
35:20chance to cut it
35:22to seven
35:23at the strike
35:25Verona's done a really nice job
35:27at slicing through a defense
35:28we see it there once again
35:30this time she gets it to go
35:32and to the line
35:35she's a player
35:36that likes to get downhill
35:38doesn't necessarily
35:39have a ton of size
35:41at 5'6
35:42but she uses her quickness
35:45and some of those areas
35:47to find the gas
35:48through three games
35:50in group stage competition
35:52Verona
35:52averaged just five points
35:54per game
35:55she's got eight
35:56in this quarterfinal qualifier
35:59Italy within seven
36:00italy within seven
36:01Talbot goes downhill
36:04Fowler finds Reed
36:06they work the perimeter
36:08Borlase back in the game
36:10puts the head down
36:11attacks the basket
36:12score and a foul
36:15Isabel Borlase
36:1716 first half points
36:19she just continues to impress
36:22that's a strong take
36:23watch her tuck it here
36:24she cuts right through the zone
36:26tucks it on the right side
36:28she's starting to feel that contact
36:31coming over
36:32from Andre
36:36quick on the flip
36:37but I've been really
36:39I think we all have been
36:41really impressed with her
36:41through the course of the tournament
36:43but I feel like every time
36:44she's been on the floor
36:45she flourishes a little bit more
36:47and she takes a lot of responsibility
36:49for this group
36:50hey whether it's the NFL
36:51or Aussie rules football
36:53ball security
36:54hey it matters
36:55that was great work
36:57an astute observation
36:58by you Sarah
37:00three minutes to go
37:01in the half
37:02Verona
37:03tight window
37:03picked off
37:06Fowler up to Reed
37:08looks for the trailer
37:09Talbot
37:09extra Borlase
37:11hot hand
37:13Borlase is red hot
37:1520 first half points
37:17leads to a timeout Italy
37:20the youngster is rising up
37:22on the big stage
37:23yeah passing has been on point
37:25and it's been the inside
37:26now from the outside
37:28Australia once again
37:29tried to open up the scene
37:31up 13 here
37:33with a couple to go
37:33in the half
37:36welcome back to Berlin Arena
37:40Australia
37:40of 13
37:41Verona has shined
37:43the player development
37:44contract player
37:45of the Dallas Wings
37:46keeping them in the ballgame
37:48she's got eight
37:49to lead
37:50Italy
37:52and then it's
37:54Isabel Borlase
37:55on the other side
37:56who's got 20
37:57in the first half
37:57on 6 of 7
37:58shooting
37:59she's 7 of 7
38:00at the free throw line
38:02level of efficiency
38:03I also think for Borlase
38:04too her reads
38:06have been
38:07very on pace
38:09and in cadence
38:10with getting it
38:11in the flow
38:12of the offense
38:12and for Australia
38:13that's exactly
38:14what you want to see
38:15especially when you're
38:16playing against this
38:17Italy team
38:18that plays so much zone
38:19and they've been known
38:19for how they've defended
38:21through the course
38:21of this tournament
38:22critical two and a half
38:24minutes here
38:24for Italy
38:25to try and
38:27cut the deficit
38:30Borlase
38:31sees daylight
38:32fearless
38:33draws a foul
38:34Andre
38:36the captain of Italy
38:37felt
38:37she was straight up
38:41the officials say otherwise
38:48she might have been
38:49straight up
38:49but her hips
38:50and her body
38:50was moving some
38:51with Borlase
38:52coming into her
38:55Borlase is strong
38:59she's
38:59used the word fearless
39:01but she understands
39:02that she can get off
39:03a shot regardless
39:04of where
39:05and how you're
39:06hitting her
39:07and it's that level
39:07of comfort
39:08that
39:09has put her
39:10spots at the rim
39:14that's the third
39:15personal foul
39:17on Andre
39:20and a technical foul
39:22assessed to the
39:23Italy bench
39:25that was the
39:26technical free throw
39:27now Borlase
39:28has two at the line
39:39Borlase a key
39:41reserve
39:41for the Atlanta
39:42Dream
39:42as they have
39:44aspirations
39:45for a deep
39:45playoff run
39:46once the World Cup
39:48concludes
39:50Carl Smesko
39:51is the head coach
39:52of the Dream
39:52he's watching this
39:53right now
39:53watching this tournament
39:54overall
39:56Borlase will continue
39:57to come off the bench
39:58for Atlanta
39:59to provide a spark
40:00Zandalicini
40:02double team
40:02leading score
40:04has been pestered
40:05today
40:05on the Italy side
40:08shot clock
40:09to three
40:09Verona
40:10almost banked it in
40:12offensive rebound
40:16down the runway
40:17Vila
40:17count the hook
40:19plus the horn
40:21that was crafty
40:22by Vila
40:23a couple hand
40:25switches
40:25as she's flying
40:26through the lane
40:27take a look right here
40:29starting over
40:31left to right
40:32does a great job
40:34in recognizing
40:35where the defense
40:36is coming from
40:40that'll get
40:40Vila going
40:42it's her first
40:43basket of the game
40:44scored 15 points
40:46against China
40:48there's just been
40:49an inconsistency
40:50in finishing
40:52some of those
40:52tougher shots
40:53especially for England
40:55they get to where
40:56they want to go to
40:57on the floor
40:58but through the course
40:59of this entire
41:00tournament
41:00that just has been
41:01a huge aspect
41:02of not being able
41:03to capitalize
41:04on some of their
41:05plays and possessions
41:08Borlase rise
41:09and fire
41:12it's just her
41:13second miss
41:14from the field
41:15she's 10 of 10
41:16at the line
41:19Italy has a team
41:208 of 10
41:21from the free throw
41:22line
41:2290 seconds to go
41:23fake one way
41:24change direction
41:25Zandalicini
41:26didn't get the call
41:29Australia bottles
41:30up
41:30Italy
41:31Wilson
41:33back up top
41:34Borlase
41:37push pass
41:38Reid
41:39deep paint
41:40position
41:40Bibby
41:41attacks
41:44Borlase
41:44try to keep it up
41:46with her
41:46she can dish it
41:47too
41:47Bibby does the rest
41:49what a possession
41:50for Australia
41:52working the inside out
41:54drive and kick
41:55drive and kick
41:55trying to open up
41:57the zone
41:57until they found
41:58that look inside
42:01the trouble
42:03Sarah get this
42:04Isabelle Borlase
42:05had 10 total points
42:07in the first two games
42:09of this FIBA World Cup
42:11had 10 against Belgium
42:12she's doubled it with 20
42:13oh and she's a playmaker
42:15too
42:15this is great though
42:16but that's a credit
42:18to how Australia
42:19continues to attack
42:20this Italy defense
42:25sometimes zone
42:26can stagnate you
42:27it's not been the case
42:29that's over and back
42:32illegal use of hands
42:33in the spirit of
42:41professional football
42:42kicking off of the United
42:43States tonight
42:44that would be a catch
42:47but it hoops
42:48that hand went over
42:49the line
42:50you're a little
42:51amped up huh
42:52your New England
42:53Patriots on the docket
42:54yeah
42:54lots of proof
42:56Super Bowl rematch
42:57tonight
43:05hit to the ground
43:06by Iacuzo
43:10brings a physical
43:11presence
43:12and if you're just
43:12joining us
43:13Noah Lana Smith
43:13for the rest of the
43:14tournament
43:14for Australia
43:15sustained a lower
43:17leg injury
43:17in the first game
43:18of group stage
43:19competition
43:19in the first quarter
43:22Australia captain
43:23Eze Magbagor
43:24was injured
43:26left the game
43:27spotted in the tunnel
43:28walking on her own
43:29power
43:29but we've watched
43:30her on the bench
43:31in a warm up
43:32hoodie
43:35Vila
43:36splits the defense
43:37and lays it in
43:4013 point game
43:41if you watched
43:43Italy
43:43put a fright
43:44in the United States
43:45earlier this week
43:46they won't go away
43:51it's to a timeout
43:52by Australia
43:52over to our jukebox
43:54making sure that you can
43:55decide on what genre
43:57our DJ star is going to
43:59take that
44:01short rotation
44:02okay
44:03here's what's on tap
44:05tomorrow
44:05we've got a quadruple
44:06header coming your way
44:08on TNT Sports
44:09bright and early
44:11coverage from our studio
44:12our Jamara tea to Charles
44:14Renee Montgomery for USA
44:16Hungary
44:17a trip to the semifinals
44:19on the line
44:20in China
44:22in France
44:23Belgium Germany
44:25should be good
44:25I don't even know if it'll be
44:27bright
44:27I don't even know if it'll be
44:30actually baby you're here
44:31we heard coffee, tea, whatever
44:34you need
44:34get it ready
44:35or just stay up all night
44:36breakfast club
44:37have a look
44:39know the clock
44:41if you can get it
44:42exciting
44:46this has been the play of
44:48Isabel Borlai's today
44:49Sandy Brondello was
44:51in the huddle
44:52a few moments ago
44:55and
44:57facilitation
44:58of Borlai's
44:59of this one
45:00that was her first assist
45:01of the day
45:01well we heard Brondello
45:02talking about it
45:03and Australia's done
45:04a really nice job
45:05of it
45:05they need to continue
45:06to pass the ball
45:07play through the pass
45:09work this defense
45:10of Italy
45:11whether they're in a zone
45:12or some of the moments
45:13they've been in a man
45:14because Italy can be
45:15so stout on that
45:16end of the floor
45:17Australia's done
45:17a very nice job
45:19in playing
45:20to their strength
45:23the Opals
45:24have displayed
45:25their depth
45:2636 of their
45:2746 points
45:28in the first half
45:28from the bench
45:31including Borlai's
45:33who has 23 points
45:35carves out space
45:37is denied
45:38at the rim
45:38by Keys
45:41she put that car
45:42in line
45:43yes she did
45:44that's a great job
45:45here because
45:46she's waiting
45:47long enough
45:48until she comes over
45:49for the help
45:51she's got to worry
45:51about where Borlai's
45:52at
45:52make sure there's
45:53not a dump off
45:54into the weak side
45:58Wilson gets it in
45:59shot clock to four
46:00Bibby
46:01fouled
46:01shooting the three
46:05Keys can't believe it
46:06that's her second foul
46:08Olvis Andre
46:10also already has
46:12three personal fouls
46:13in that Italy
46:15frontcourt
46:18Chloe Bibby
46:20of the Minnesota
46:22Lynx
46:22for the WNBA
46:24has three at the line
46:32Australia has taken
46:34advantage of its trips
46:35to the stripe
46:41overall
46:44is that your fault
46:49Chloe Bibby
46:51I'll take the heat
46:53five seconds for Italy
46:56Vila on an island
46:57with two fade away
46:58short Australia leads
47:01by 15 in this quarter
47:04final qualifier
47:05despite a couple of
47:07injuries to the frontcourt
47:08the Opals are seizing
47:11the opportunity
47:12to get back
47:13to the final eight
47:16in Berlin
47:17Lauren Jabara
47:20three-time World Cup
47:22gold medalist
47:23Tina Charles
47:24and Renee Montgomery
47:25are coming up next
47:27Isabel Borlase
47:28with 23
47:29for Australia
47:30you're watching
47:31the 2026
47:33Viva Women's Basketball
47:34World Cup
47:35on forward to another
47:36date with them
47:37having one back
47:38in a friendly
47:39in 2024
47:39that first half
47:41was full of
47:42Isabel Borlase
47:43pouring 23 points
47:4423 points
47:45and the fact that
47:46she did it
47:47with such a level
47:47of efficiency
47:48force
47:49in a variety
47:50of ways
47:51she continues
47:51to get to the basket
47:52but you see
47:53some of the finesse
47:54the moves
47:54her ability
47:55to read defenses
47:56and knocks down
47:57a three-point shot
47:59she was a perfect
48:0010 of 10
48:00from the free throw line
48:01given how aggressive
48:03she was in
48:04attacking the basket
48:06those are some
48:06big time