August 11, 2024Β
Magbegor shines in bronze medal game, Opals return to podium
Win over Belgium earns Opals first medal since 2012
PARIS β The bronze medal game of the 2022 World Cup in Sydney is famous for Lauren Jackson scoring 30 points in Australia’s win over Canada. The bronze medal game of the Paris Olympics will go down in history as perhaps Ezi Magbegor‘s finest hour.
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Magbegor put together a game for the ages with 30 points on 12-for-17 shooting, with 13 rebounds and three blocks as Australia defeated Belgium, 85-81, on Sunday. According to FIBA, she became the first player to register more than 30 points and 10 rebounds in a medal-winning game. Her efficiency rating of 45 is also the highest in Olympic history.
“I did everything I could out there today,” Magbegor said. “I was just trying to be myself, whether it was getting rebounds or defensive stops. I didn’t know what I was going to score, but just being able to get the win means a lot.”
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In Friday’s semifinal loss to the U.S., Magbegor was limited to two points, and her previous high in the Olympics was 14 in the group stage versus France. The Seattle Storm forward will turn 25 on Tuesday and was adamant that she wanted not only Jackson, but the Opals’ senior members to exit France with a medal. Australia’s bronze from London 2012 was its most recent. Team captain Tess Madgen, center Marianna Tolo, guard Sami Whitcomb and forwards Cayla George and Stephanie Talbot are all over 30, but were not yet around for London.
“It really is so special,” Jackson said. “Ezi is so talented, and I am just glad she had this platform and this game today to show people how incredible she is. She really is the centerpiece of this team.”
It was actually Jackson who told Magbegor that she broke the efficiency record, prompting Magbegor to express her gratitude to the Hall of Famer.
“She is greatness,” Magbegor said of Jackson. “And to be able to play with her and experience this with her is a real honor to me. She is the best and wins wherever she goes.”
The 43-year-old Jackson won three-consecutive silver medals, beginning at home in Sydney 2000. She adds the bronze from Paris to her one from London. The three-time WNBA MVP also won the gold medal at the 2006 FIBA World Cup. She did not play on Sunday and had not scored since the loss to Nigeria opened the group stage.
“I feel like I played my role,” Jackson added. “When I had to retire the first time, that was a knock on me β that I didn’t have the longevity. That is not why I started playing again, I wanted to get fit. This second part is just like a dream come true. The last three years have been remarkable. It hasn’t sunk in yet. Five Olympics and five medals is crazy.”
Bronze for Brondello
In addition to the rewards of the players, the medal was special for Australia head coach Sandy Brondello. As a player, Brondello won the bronze in Atlanta 1996, then two silvers in 2000 and 2004. She began her Olympic journey at Seoul 1988 and joins a short list of people such as Pat Summitt, Anne Donovan and Dawn Staley, who won Olympic medals as both a player and a coach.
“It’s hard to win medals,” Brondello said. “It’s really hard to win medals with limited preparation. The rest of the world keeps getting better. This team is tough, and I am proud of how resilient we are. Ezi was amazing, and it really shows her potential. Even when we lost, we never lost focus of what our goal was.”
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Tough loss for Belgium
On the other side, Belgium leaves Paris with a medal round appearance in only its second Olympics. Guard Julie Vanloo scored 26 points with 11 assists, while forward Emma Meesseman recorded 23 points on Sunday. Antonia Delaere played the entire 40 minutes and scored 15.
“We really believed we could win this game,” an emotional Delaere said. “We wanted to forget all of the pain, all of the tiredness, etc., so I don’t want to take that as an excuse. Every time we came closer, they made a big shot. It took a lot of energy to come back.”
Written by Scott Mammoser
Scott Mammoser covered the Paris 2024 Olympics for The Next. He has also covered major international events for FIBA, World Athletics and the International Skating Union. He has attended six other Olympics and traveled to more than 90 countries.
