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France spoils LJ’s return, beats Australia in World Cup

France spoils LJ’s return, beats Australia in World Cup

Lauren Jackson was overcome by emotion after playing her first game in Australia for 12 years. The Hall of Famer was not able to get the result she desired as the Opals lost to France 70 to 57 on Thursday to close out the first day of the women’s World Cup. Jackson, 41, said that it was disappointing but that France would be difficult. "I was happy to have been here. This was the 2000 Olympics, which was my last performance in this arena. It was an incredible experience, and the crowd was amazing."

Jackson was last on the Australian national basketball team in 2010. He retired six years later from basketball due to a chronic knee injury. Jackson stated, "It's crazy to be here. It's surreal." "It's an honor to represent Australia. Other games on Thursday saw the U.S. defeat Belgium 87-72; Puerto Rico defeated Bosnia and Herzegovina 82-58; Canada defeated Serbia 66-70; Japan defeated Mali 8956; and South Korea won 107-44, reported by jfdbet most trusted gambling site.

Jackson returned nearly 11 months ago. She checked in midway through the first quarter to get a huge ovation. Jackson missed her first shot but made a 3-pointer from above the key, her only point of the game. This was her 600th point in World Cup play during the Hall of Fame. She is the third player to achieve this milestone.

Jackson's return was not enough to win Australia the game. Gabby Williams scored 14 of her 23 points during the first half, when France led 32 to 31. After three quarters, they extended their lead to five and didn't let the Opals get any closer. Kristy Wallace's 3 pointer with 4:13 remaining made it 61-55. However, that was Australia's final basket of the game. Bec Allen scored 16 points in leading Australia.

PUERTO RICO 82. BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA 58

Japan's Mai Yoshida and Japan's RamuTokashiki attempt to block Mali's Djeneba Na'Diaye's shot at goal during their match at the women's Basketball World Cup, Sydney, Australia, Thursday Sept. 22, 2022. Puerto Rico won the World Cup for the first time with 26 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists from Arella Guirantes. Puerto Rico participated in its 2018 World Cup and lost three of the three games. The country also lost at the Tokyo Olympics last year.

Puerto Rico is trying to recover from the devastation caused by Hurricane Fiona earlier in the week. This win comes at a difficult moment. After the first quarter, Puerto Rico jumped out to a 31-16 advantage and never looked back. The 31 points were the highest score the national team had ever scored in a time period during its short World Cup history.

UNITED STATES 87, BELGIUM 72

Breanna Stewart scored 22 points, while Alyssa Tom had 14 points, nine assists, and seven rebounds in Alyssa's debut for the United States. The Americans quickly took a quick lead of 12-0 before Belgium settled down to make it within one. The lead was extended by Stewart and Jewell Loyd by the U.S. and was at 48-39 at halftime. The Americans started the third quarter with a 12-4 run and won the game. Julie Vanloo scored 13 to lead Belgium.

CANADA 67, SERBIA-60

Kayla Alexander scored 13 points, and Nira Fields added 12, to help Canada beat Serbia. After trailing by one at the end of the first quarter, Canada outscored Serbia 23-12 during the second quarter to take the lead. Kia Nurse missed the entire WNBA Season while she was recovering from a torn anterior cruciate ligament (OCL) in October 2021. She scored nine points in 19 minutes. Yvonne Anderson scored 18 to lead Serbia.

JAPAN 89, MALI56

Aika Hirashita scored 17 and hit five 3-pointers. Stephanie Mawuli added 14, to help the Olympic silver medalists win an opener. After one quarter, Japan led 21-18. Then, it took control in the second quarter with a 26-11 advantage. Japan maintained its lead in the third quarter, and it continued to coast the rest of the way. Djeneba Na'Diaye scored 13 points, while Sika Kone added 10, for Mali. Mali is still trying to win its first World Cup contest in 10 years.

CHINA 107, SOUTH KOREA 45

China beat South Korea by scoring 14 points each from Yang Liwei and Li Meng. Han Xu scored 13 points. Hot shooting and solid defense helped the Chinese jump to a 16-2 advantage. It was 54-20 by the end of the first half. Jihyun Park, who scored 14 points, was the only South Korean player to reach double figures.