Ally Wilson and the Gangurrus bid farewell to the Paris Olympics
Australia’s first ever Olympic 3x3 basketball team has battled valiantly in a 21-10 defeat at the hands of Canada.
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Murray Bridge’s Ally Wilson and her team the Gangurrus have suffered a loss, resulting in the end of their 2024 Olympic run.
The Australian women’s 3x3 basketball team have placed fifth in the tournament after a loss to Canada in the quarterfinals.
Canada was also the Gangurrus' first match-up in the round robin event, where they lost 22-14.
Canada started fast, making seven of their first 10 shots to build an 11-4 lead in the first five minutes.
Australia got into a good position when Marena Whittle knocked down a two-pointer, which made the score 18-10.
However the Canadians pushed ahead and the Aussies couldn’t score again, the game ended in an 11-point final margin.
“Don’t let anyone ever tell you that you can’t do something, we finished as the fifth best team in the world,” Wilson said on social media afterwards.
“My teammates and I made history being the first Australian 3x3 team at the Olympics … always have unwavering self belief and you can do anything, I promise.
“Man, I love being a Gangurru.”
Earlier in the day the Gangurrus had the chance to automatically advance to the semi-finals with a match up against France.
With 1:11 to go in regulation time Wilson tied the game at 16-16.
Neither team could find a basket, which meant overtime, with 3x3 basketball requiring play to continue until one team leads by two points.
France started the period with possession and only needed three seconds to score a two-pointer taking the game 18-16.
Captain Anneli Maley hoped her team had impressed fans.
“I think we showed everyone in Australia the heart and the fight that we have,” she said.
“I’m really proud of the way we played.
“That game isn’t a reflection of how good we are or how much we have done.
“We’re going to get back up and we’re going to go to the next tournament and we’re going to be great; but this is going to hurt for a little bit.”
Ally Wilson is now taking a much deserved break before she has to make the move from Bendigo to Perth, after her most recent signing.
