Gems moulded into U19 World Cup silver medals

• '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

The Australian Gems have claimed silver at the Under-19 FIBA Women's World Cup, falling 88-76 to the United States Starez Arena Vodova in Czechia.

Australian guard Bonnie Deas was named to the tournament's All-Star Five while Gems coach Renae Garlepp was named as the tournament's Best Coach.

The silver medal came with hours of the Australian Opals winning the 2025 FIBA Women's Asia Cup in China.

Spain won the bronze medal.

Key Details

• Result: USA 88 def. Australia 76
• When: 20th July 2025
• Where: Starez Arena Vodova, Czechia

By the Numbers

• Saniyah Hall (USA) starred with 25 points, nine rebounds, seven assists, one steal, and two blocks in 34 minutes.
• Bonnie Deas (Australia) scored 13 points, and had four rebounds and three assists in 33 minutes.

What Happened

USA established control early with a 26-23 first-quarter advantage, extending their lead to 50-40 by halftime. Australia showed fight in the third quarter, outscoring USA 17-14 to cut the deficit to 64-57 heading into the final period. However, USA found another gear in the fourth quarter, outscoring Australia 24-19 to secure the 12-point victory.

Jasmine Davidson proved to be a difference-maker for USA, recording 21 points on efficient 8-from-16 shooting while adding an impressive five steals and three blocks. Her defensive prowess disrupted Australia's offense at critical moments, particularly during a key stretch midway through the fourth quarter when USA pulled away decisively.

Saniyah Hall dominated for USA with a stellar all-around performance, contributing 25 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists. Her ability to create for herself and teammates while shooting 50 percent from the field showcased why she's considered one of the tournament's premier players. Australia's Bonnie Deas fought valiantly with 13 points, but couldn't match Hall's efficiency.

The rebounding battle proved decisive as USA dominated the glass 55-32, including 19 offensive boards that led to crucial second-chance opportunities. This advantage helped USA overcome their 16 turnovers compared to Australia's 11. USA also capitalised at the free-throw line, converting 19-from-26 attempts (73.1 percent) while Australia managed just 2-from-5.

Despite the loss, Australia showed promising signs with balanced scoring. Five players scored at least 10 points, led by Deas (13), while Sienna Harvey and Monique Bobongie added 11 each. The Australians shot efficiently from three-point range at 38.1 percent (8-from-21) but couldn't overcome USA's superior interior presence and rebounding advantage.