Paris Olympics 2024 women's basketball news: Australia Opals lose ...
Lauren Jackson did not beat around the bush after Australia's Opals crashed to a shock 75-62 loss against Nigeria in Lille on Monday.
"It was not good. It was a disaster out there," the 43-year-old basketball legend told Nine.
Indeed, this was a genuine boilover as the world's No.12 team outplayed the third ranked Opals, who have won five Olympic medals (three silver and two bronze) and were among the favourites again.
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Elizabeth Balogun and Adebola Adeyeye of Nigeria celebrate victory. Getty
It was Nigeria's first Olympic win in women's basketball since 2004.
Nigeria didn't even qualify for the 2016 Rio Games and went winless in Tokyo.
Free throws and sloppy discipline were Australia's enemies as they went just eight of 18 from the charity stripe and committed an alarming 26 turnovers.
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"Free throws will win or lose you the game," Jackson lamented.
"We make our free throws, it's a different ball game. It's a momentum changer as well."
Ezinne Kalu sparked Nigeria by draining her first four three point attempts and scoring 17 of her 19 points in the first half.
Fans inside Pierre Mauroy Stadium were on their feet cheering and applauding Nigeria in the final seconds before the players and coaches ran to midcourt to jump, hug and celebrate.
Then they high fived the Australians.
It may have helped erase a painful start to the Games for the Nigeria team, which was denied access to the country's boat during the opening ceremony.
Tess Madgen of Australia and Promise Amukamara of Nigeria. Getty
Alanna Smith led the Opals with 15 points while Sami Whitcomb added 13 and Jade Melbourne 11.
Promise Amukamara scored 14 points for Nigeria, Amy Okonkwo 13 and Murjanatu Musa 11.
The Nigerians went over near their bench to wave at their fans before jubilantly heading off the court.
This is the second upset in two days in the women's tournament.
No.2 ranked China lost in overtime in the pool play opener to Spain.
The Opals lost forward Bec Allen to a hamstring injury in their final pre-Olympic warmup game.
Sami Whitcomb of Australia and Promise Amukamara of Nigeria. Getty
Amy Atwell took Allen's roster spot, and Australia started well enough by scoring the first six points.
But Nigeria scored the final 11 points of the first half to lead 41-28 at the break and extended that to 45-30 midway through the third quarter.
The Opals rallied and a Smith three pulled them to within 58-56 with six minutes left.
Amy Okonkwo of Nigeria celebrates. Getty
That was as close as they would get.
When Okonkwo finished a fast break with a layup with 50 seconds remaining, the Nigerians came together, arms in the air during an Aussie timeout, knowing they were on the verge of a big victory.
Australia's other Group B games are against Canada and France and the margin for error is gone.
