PARIS — Australia used a strong fourth quarter to pull away from Belgium for good, 85-81, to win the Olympic bronze medal – its sixth Olympic medal and first since 2012. The Opals’ defensive pressure continued unabated in the final quarter, forcing four turnovers – including a shot clock violation with 16 seconds left.

When the team finally left the field after the medal ceremony, they were led by Lauren Jackson and Ezi Magbegor – the player who has been the face of Australian basketball for decades and who many expect to be the foundation of this program in the future.

Magbegor finished the bronze medal game with 30 points, 13 rebounds, three blocks, two steals and three assists, while three other Opals also scored in double figures. Alanna Smith had a double-double (13 points, 12 rebounds). Those two points were the centerpiece of an Australian rebounding performance that allowed the Opals to dominate the game (44-31 lead), including 12 offensive rebounds that gave Australia a 14-2 edge in second chances.

Jackson, 43, who came out of retirement (a second time, actually) to mount a comeback for these Games, did not play in the bronze medal game, but as the clock ticked down, she was the player circled by her teammates, many of whom grew up idolizing the former WNBA MVP.

Emma Meesseman and Julie Vanloo both led the Belgian Cats in what was the program’s second Olympic appearance and surpassed their 2021 finish (seventh place). Meesseman finished with 23 points and five rebounds, while Vanloo had 26 points and 11 assists.

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(Photo of Australians Ezi Magbegor and Alanna Smith celebrating Sunday’s victory: Gregory Shamus / Getty Images)