Australia Opals vs. Belgium, score, updates, start time, farewell to Lauren Jackson

It all comes down to this.

While the Opals were no match for the USA's dominance, the Australian women's basketball team can compete for the bronze medal against Belgium on Sunday at 7:30 p.m. (AEST).

After such a disastrous start to the season, with the Opals suffering a surprise 62-75 loss to Nigeria, it is an achievement in itself that they are still in the running for a medal.

MATCH CENTER: Opals vs. Belgium, live scores, updates

It's a testament to the mix of experience and youth that has helped the Opals to three straight wins and a place in the semi-finals. Jade Melbourne is a future star on the rise, while players like Marianna Tolo, Cayla George and Sami Whitcomb are ever-present as experienced players.

Sunday's game could also be an Olympic farewell for those three, as well as the legendary Lauren Jackson and captain Tess Madgen, with no guarantee that they will play a role in Australia's plans for the 2028 Olympic Games.

For Hall of Fame legend Jackson, it will definitely be the end of her career, at least in green and gold, because the Opals want to say goodbye to her in a fitting manner.

For now, the Opals can only concentrate on Belgium and hope for their first podium finish since winning bronze at the 2012 London Games.

“We just have to find the right attitude,” said Opals coach Sandy Brondello.

“OK, we lost the game, but we still have a chance to get a podium place. We want to try to get the bronze medal. That's our goal, so we will fight.”

The Opals made a last-minute change to their starting eleven, replacing the injury-plagued Steph Talbot with Madgen.

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