Posted on 27 July, 2011

Gems remain undefeated at World Championships  (Courtesy of Basketball Australia)

The Australian U19 Women’s basketball team, the Gems, have continued their unbeaten run at the 2011 FIBA U19 World Championship for Women, with an 89-46 victory against Chinese Taipei in Puerto Montt, Chile today.

 Australia’s leading scorer for the tournament, centre Tayla Roberts, top scored with 18 points. Alexandra Bunton added 11 points, while guard Aimie Clydesdale pulled down a team-high 11 rebounds and Rebecca Cole dished out seven assists.

Yu Chun Wei led the Chinese Taipei attack with 15 points, while I-Hsiu Cheng added 11 points to a team that had registered only one win from their three matches prior to this game.

The height of Australia was always going to be a concern for the undersized Chinese Taipei side, and it was 191cm Tayla Roberts with 10 first term points in the paint, that helped set up a 20-9 quarter time lead for the Gems.

Rebecca Cole opened Australia’s account in the second term, connecting on consecutive baskets to help her side extend their advantage. A Sara Blicavs field goal with less than three minutes remaining gave the Gems a 22 point lead, their biggest of the game. Despite a better scoring output from Chinese Taipei, Australia outscored them 23-13 and took a 43-22 halftime lead.

The second half started much the same as the first, Australia quickly taking ascendancy with 12 unanswered points, punctuated by multiple three-point baskets from Kerryn Harrington. From there the margin never dropped below 30 points, with the Gems dominating under the basket at both ends and leading 66-33 with one term to play.

A 9-0 run to start the last quarter put the result beyond doubt, Australia recording their fourth win of the championship.

The Gems next game sees them face powerful basketball nation Spain tomorrow, before meeting the currently undefeated Brazil side on Thursday.

 Australia 89 (Tayla Roberts 18, Alexandra Bunton 11, Carley Mijovic 10) defeated Chinese Taipei 46 (Yu Chun Wei 15, I-Hsiu Cheng 11, Ching Ning Lee 8)

Quarter by Quarter

1st      20 – 9

2nd     43 – 22 (23 – 13)

3rd     66 – 33 (23 – 11)

4th     89 – 46 (23 – 13)