Madgen secures World Cup silver medal
JCU Townsville Fire star Tess Madgen is now a World Cup silver medallist.
Having been among the last players cut for the Chemist Warehouse Opals’ bronze medal campaign in 2014 – along with the Rio Olympics – the 28-year-old finally made her mark at the sport’s showpiece tournament as she helped lead Australia into the World Cup Final.
Going up against the might of the USA was always going to be a difficult task, however, as the two-time reigning champions made it a three-peat courtesy of a 73-56 victory.
📽 🇺🇸 @USABasketball have been crowned the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup winners after beating 🇦🇺 73-56 and sealing their place at the @Tokyo2020 @Olympics in the process!
📖 Story: https://t.co/GowGXWy2UB#FIBAWWC #AUSUSA @BasketballAUS pic.twitter.com/MwRoTjA6XX
— FIBA (@FIBA) September 30, 2018
Madgen posted four points, three rebounds and two assists in the gold medal play-off and will return to Townsville on Wednesday ahead of the Fire’s round one opener against Dandenong on October 14.
With All*Star Five member Liz Cambage (seven points and 14 rebounds) well contained on the offensive end, Alanna Smith (10 points) was the only Australian to reach double figures as they shot just 33% from the floor.
Three-time Fire championship winner Cayla George was held scoreless, but did manage four rebounds in a tick under 15 minutes.
With the Opals enjoying a return to the podium, all attention will now turn to the Chemist Warehouse WNBL and the Fire’s title defence.
The reigning WNBL champions will take to the floor this Sunday as they host the Under-23 Townsville Heat in a pre-season game at TBI from 3pm.
Madgen is expected to join her teammates for the contest which is free for all 2018/19 members.
The JCU Townsville Fire would like to congratulate Tess Madgen at the Opals on their silver medal at the 2018 FIBA World Cup.
Click here to see full box scores between Australia and the USA.
World Cup schedule (all times AEST):
September 22: Australia def Nigeria 86-68
September 23: Australia def Argentina 84-43
September 25: Australia def Turkey 90-64.
September 28: Australia def China 83-42 (QF)
September 29: Australia def Spain 72-66 (SF)
September 30: Australia def by USA 56-73 (Gold Medal Play-off)
Chemist Warehouse Australian Opals:
Bec Allen, Alex Bunton, Liz Cambage, Katie-Rae Ebzery, Cayla George, Tessa Lavey, Tess Madgen, Ezi Magbegor, Jenna O’Hea, Alanna Smith, Steph Talbot and Sami Whitcomb.