The losing feeling was familiar but no less disappointing for the Opals on Friday, who recorded defeat in another Olympic contest against the US in their women’s basketball semi-final, going down 85-64 at the Bercy Arena in eastern Paris.

The victory by the Americans was their ninth straight in Olympic competition over the Australians, who have never tasted victory in the match-up. But there were signs that Australia might just end the streak at Los Angeles or Brisbane, given promise shown by young players Ezi Magbegor and 19-year-old guard Izzy Borlase, who top scored for the Opals with 11 points.

Australian coach Sandy Brondello said the US are an “amazing team”, but the Opals didn’t start well enough. “I’m disappointed with that we didn’t put up a better effort, but we need to park it and focus on still trying to win that medal.”

Members of the US men’s team in the audience, including Kevin Durant and Bam Adebayo, were treated to an early display of American dominance, and the result was largely secured in the second quarter, when the USA pushed their lead to more than 20 behind dominant defence.

At half-time they had seven steals and five blocks, as well as countless deflections that wreaked havoc with the Australians’ offence. The green jerseys were limited to just 27 points at the half, while the US had 14 points off turnovers, and 18 fast break points, and were making Australia pay for their mistakes.

It set the scene for a procession in the second half that passed largely without incident. The Americans were rarely threatened, keeping their lead around 20 until the final whistle. Breanna Stewart top scored with 16, while Jackie Young added another 14.

The bright spot for the Australians was the play of 19-year-old guard Borlase, who was given an extended run in the second half and finished with 11 points. Her 14 minutes was the most she has been on the court at any time during the Games. “Mentally, it’s been a lot of ups and downs, first loss to Nigeria, and then got a good run,” she said. “It’s just been a lot, but I’m stoked to be here.”

Brondello said Borlase found her self-belief. “Once that first one went in, you saw the confidence that she had and I thought she was great, and we’re going to need that as we go into that next game, it gives us scoring options.”

Alongside Borlase, the Opals’ younger generation, including Magbegor and Jade Melbourne, showed signs of promise against a team made up of some of the best players in the world. And Alanna Smith – who at 27 is just coming into her prime – worked hard inside against her rangy American match-ups and is likely to be a key player for Los Angeles 2028.

This will be the last Olympics for 43-year-old Lauren Jackson, however. She got run in the first quarter and was largely limited to long jump shots, but her entry coincided with a period when the Australians cut into an early American lead. Her role was largely off the bench in the second half.

Jackson said she has felt like she has been a mentor these Games, and she was happy for Borlase. “Today was a real coming of age moment for her, in the fourth quarter she showed signs that we haven’t seen in this Olympic tournament.

Jackson said the group making their first Olympics appearances – including Melbourne and Smith – are making a step up, which bodes well for the future. “It’s been awesome and hopefully, hopefully we can finish with that bronze.”

The Opals will finish the Paris Games with a chance to win the bronze medal, an improvement on Tokyo where their loss to the US in the quarter-finals eliminated them before the medal matches.