The FIBA U19 Women’s Basketball World Cup 2025 Semi-Finals witnessed a sublime display from Australia as they cut down Canada, while holders USA soared past Spain.
Having secured at least a silver medal, Australia will now be hoping they can repeat that kind of level when they face the reigning champions who swept aside Spain.
Just when Australia needed it most, they turned up the dial with their best display of the tournament as they claimed a vibrant and impressive 87-75 success against Canada.
Their rotations, physicality and decision-making all fed into a beautifully balanced effort, which saw them make 21 of 22 free throws and 50% from downtown.
Further emphasizing their team-ethic, five players made it into double figures in scoring. Sitaya Fagan, Monique Bobongie and Zara Russell all netted 14 points, with Bonnie Deas showing her leadership again with 12 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals.
Shock the world: Can Australia dethrone the USA in the final showdown?
If there is a familiar feel to the FIBA U19 Women’s Basketball World Cup 2025 Final, that’s because this will be the third time that USA and Australia have contested the title game in four editions of the famous competition.
With 27 straight wins and a 10th consecutive Final lying in wait, few would back against USA continuing their dominance and retaining their coveted crown.
Yet Australia are unlikely to be pushovers – at least if their can play anywhere near the outstanding level of performance they managed in the Semi-Final with Canada.
The Gems also do know how it feels to be winners at the event – even if it was back in 1993. Could they now write a similarly glorious chapter in their history 32 years later?
Key Matchup
Saniyah Hall vs Zara Russell
Looking more like the TISSOT MVP in waiting, Saniyah Hall really will take some stopping. She has had a truly sensational tournament and while USA have so many other weapons, developing a strategy to at least slow her down will be a priority for the Gems. She has the scoring touch, height and athleticism to cause a major headache.
Because of the way Australia play, they will probably end up mixing and matching that seriously tough defensive assignment. But one candidate to disrupt Hall’s rhythm and influence could be Zara Russell. Arguably an unsung hero and certainly not the standout star like Hall, she is still seriously vital and would also relish the challenge.
X Factors
The 48 bench points that Australia posted against Canada in the Semi-Finals was sensational and pointed them in the direction of this year’s silverware.
If they want to stay in the game, compete, push USA to the wire and even spring a surprise, then this kind of mammoth team effort probably needs to be repeated.