Cambage lifts Opals past Spain to women’s World Cup final
Liz Cambage has led Australia to the gold medal match at the Women's Basketball World Cup after a dramatic 72-66 semi-final win over hosts Spain.
A sensational 33 points and 15 rebounds from the centre was the difference in Tenerife as she overcame early foul trouble to propel the Opals to just their second decider — after their title win in 2006.
"This is the furthest I've been at this level. I've never played a gold medal game at this level," an emotional Cambage said.
"I've also carried a little bit of a weight on my shoulders for eight years.
"My first World [Cup] we didn't even medal. It was the worst the Opals had done."
Cambage was almost unstoppable against the hosts, going 11 of 16 from the field including a lay-up in the final 30 seconds to put the finishing touches on her dominant game.
Cambage has now scored at least 20 points in each of her five games in the tournament.
The Opals will take on the United States in the final on Monday at 0500 AEST after the US defeated Belgium 93-77 in their semi-final.
"What we're chasing, you dream of as little girls," Cambage said.
"I watched Penny Taylor and Lauren Jackson win that medal [in 2006].
"It's been a battle for all these years."
Australia have not beaten the US in 10 World Cup games and seven at the Olympics but Opals coach Sandy Brondello believes her team is capable of an upset.
"One game, anyone can beat anyone," she said.
"We have to play at our best. We need all 12 players playing at our best.
"USA is the favourites and we'll give it our best shot, hopefully that's good enough."
Facing their toughest opponents of the tournament so far, Australia started well against Spain 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.
External Link: WNBA tweet: What a GAME for ecambage (33 PTS, 15 REB)
Cambage then iced the game to break Spanish hearts as Australia dominated the final period 22-8.
"We knew it was going to be a hard, hard 40 minutes going into this game and it was … we just came up with it in the end," Cambage said.
Australia built a 15-point advantage in the opening quarter but Spain came roaring back, capitalising on Cambage's time on the bench 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 to lead 58-50.
But Australia kept their composure in the final quarter with Cambage's presence and George's late cameo crucial in the victory.
AAP
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ABC .net
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