The Australian women’s basketball team beat France in its final Group B match to enter the Paris 2024 Olympics quarter-finals on Monday.

Playing at the Pierre Mauroy Stadium in Lille, the Opals, ranked third, secured a 79-72 victory over world No. 7 France. With 18 points, Tess Madgen was the top-scorer for the Opals and scored four three-pointers while Ezi Magbegor also contributed 14 points.

Gabby Williams grabbed 15 points for the hosts but despite a close encounter, she couldn’t inspire her side to victory.

Australia, the five-time Olympic medallists, qualified from Group B in second place behind France.

The Opals started the contest on a positive note as Ezi Magbegor and Jade Melbourne made it 4-0 in the early exchanges. Marine Fauthoux scored a two-pointer to get the hosts on the scoreboard before they quickly got back level at 4-4.

The two sides matched each other point for point before the Opals closed the first quarter with a slender two-point lead at 19-17.

The second quarter provided an even more intriguing contest as Australia and France tussled for the lead. The Opals momentarily held the advantage at 27-23 before it soon became 30-30.

The French basketball team, Tokyo 2020 bronze medallists, took the lead for the first time at 33-32 before Australia bounced back and made it 34-34 heading into the half-time break.

Even until the halfway point of the third quarter, there was very little to separate the two sides. Magbegor scored a two-pointer to help the Opals retake the lead at 47-46.

Magbegor and Tess Madgen capitalised on the positive momentum as Australia were able to open up a small lead at 59-50 just before the final quarter.

With barely any separation between the two teams, the final quarter proved to be a nervy affair. Although the Opals continued to press forward, the hosts cut down the deficit to just one point at 65-64.

At such a crucial juncture, it was Madgen’s two-pointer that allowed the Opals to maintain their lead while George Cayla netted a three-pointer to open up a six-point lead.

France’s Gabby Williams made a fast break to make it 72-67 with just one minute left on the clock. However, Australia held their ground in the final few seconds before securing a 79-72 victory to secure passage to the quarter-finals of the Paris 2024 Olympics basketball tournament.