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Mikayla Pirini (Willetton) and Maddy Dennis (Kalamunda) and their Gems teammates claimed a bronze medal at the FIBA U/19 World Championships in Russia overnight.

Basketball WA would like to congratulate both Mikayla and Maddy on an outstanding achievement. The full game report from Basketball Australia is below.

The Jayco Australian Gems have withstood a comeback from Spain to win 69-62 and earn third place at the FIBA U19 World Championships, their second consecutive bronze medal at the tournament.

Coming off a Semi-Final loss to Russia, the Gems’ intent was obvious from the outset as they jumped out to an 11-2 lead.

Their advantage under the rim was exemplified by 12 straight Australian points from Alanna Smith, helping the Gems to a 16-point lead by quarter-time.

Spain found their range in the second term and slowly reduced the deficit, winning the quarter 20-14 before cutting the margin to three mid-way through the third quarter.

Tahlia Tupaea was able to knock down a three-pointer in response before Montana Farrah-Seaton’s only basket of the game handed Australia a nine-point buffer going into the final period.