'Famous Five:' Star Gems double down to reach final

• 'Chemistry' is jewel in crown for U19 Gems squad
• Head coach Renae Garlepp comes full circle with Australian Gems
• Australian Gems will be 'fun and gritty' and get 'hands dirty'
• 'Bonnie Three-as': Bonnie Deas propels Gems into semis

Five Australian stars — Zara Russell, Monique Bobongie, Sitaya Fagan, Manuela Puoch and Bonnie Deas — scored in double figures to propel the Gems into the final of the Under-19 FIBA Women's World Cup, beating Canada 87-75 in Czechia on Saturday, July 19, 2025.

Australia led at the end of every quarter and shot a blistering 52.7% from the field on 55 attempts, including 8-from-16 threes.

Russell, Bobongie and Fagan all finished with 14 points while Puoch had 13 and Deas 12.

Fagan was outstanding, shooting 6-from-8 from the field including 2-from-2 from deep in 25 minutes. She also had four rebounds.

Deas, after hitting the clutch three to send Australia into the semi-final, was equally outstanding. She played 30 minutes for her 12 points, eight rebounds and two assists while backcourt teammate Ruby Perkins logged 29 minutes. Perkins had six points, five assists and two rebounds.

The Gold Medal game is against the United States at 4am (AEST) on Monday July 21, 2025.

Key Details

• Result: Australia 87 def. Canada 75
• When: 19th July 2025
• Where: Starez Arena Vodova, Czechia

By the Numbers

• Jasmine Bascoe (Canada) starred with 29 points, three rebounds, nine assists, and three steals in 38 minutes.
• Zara Russell (Australia) scored 14 points in 20 minutes.

What Happened

Australia secured their place in the FIBA Under-19 Women's World Cup final with a balanced 87-75 victory against Canada at Starez Arena Vodova in Czechia. Five players scored in double figures for Australia, who controlled the game from start to finish despite Canada's best efforts to stay within striking distance.

The Australians established a slim two-point advantage after the first quarter, leading 22-20 before extending their margin to seven points by halftime with a 21-16 second period. Australia's efficient offense continued in the third quarter, outscoring Canada 23-20 to build a 10-point cushion heading into the final frame.

Canada's Jasmine Bascoe delivered an outstanding 29-point performance, keeping her team within reach throughout the contest. The guard shot 10-from-23 from the field, including four three-pointers, while adding nine assists in a valiant 38-minute effort.

Her teammate Avery Howell contributed 20 points, including six three-pointers on nine attempts from beyond the arc.

Australia's superior efficiency proved decisive in the victory. The team shot an impressive 52.7 percent from the field (29-from-55) compared to Canada's 39.4 percent (28-from-71), while converting a stellar 95.5 percent from the free-throw line (21-from-22).

The Australians displayed remarkable balance with Zara Russell, Monique Bobongie, and Sitaya Fagan each scoring 14 points, while Manuela Puoch added 13 and Bonnie Deas contributed 12.

Deas was particularly effective on the boards, grabbing eight rebounds along with 12 points and two steals. Australia dominated the rebounding battle 39-31, with their 31 defensive rebounds limiting Canada's second-chance opportunities. The Australians' ball movement was also superior, with Ruby Perkins dishing out five assists to complement her six points.

Australia's defense contained Canada's outside shooting, limiting them to 34.4 percent from three-point range despite Howell's hot hand. The Australians' remarkable 50 percent three-point shooting (8-from-16) provided crucial separation throughout the contest.

With this semi-final victory, Australia advances to the gold medal game of the FIBA Under-19 Women's World Cup, where they'll face the winner of the other semi-final. Canada will compete for the bronze medal against the loser of that matchup.