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ANKARA
The Australian women qualified for the Olympic basketball semifinals with a 85-67 win on Wednesday against Serbia.
Power forward Alanna Smith led the Opals to the semis with an efficient performance putting in 22 points and 13 rebounds at Paris’ Bercy Arena.
Jade Melbourne and Cayla George each added 18 points.
Forward Jovana Nogic was Serbia’s top scorer with 17 points. Angela Dugalic had 14 points and Ivana Raca added 10 in the quarterfinal loss.
Australia went 22-25 from the free throw line, 88% — a key factor in the victory.
Australia will face Nigeria or Team USA on Friday in the semifinal game.
Nigeria will play the US later Wednesday.
The gold medal game will be played on the last day of competition for the Olympics on Sunday.
