Day 6: Opals sparkle to reach SF's; Talbot ties Penny Taylor's assists record

SYDNEY (Australia) - Host nation Australia are a step away from consecutive FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup Finals after beating Belgium 86-69, with Steph Talbot posting a record-equalling night.

The guard finished the game with 9 assists and that levelled the record of Opals' legend and former competition winner Penny Taylor, who handed out the same number of dimes at the 2014 edition against Turkey.

“I think my teammates make it easy. We have big posts inside and my job is to feed them and they make it easy."

- Steph Talbot

As well as Talbot pulling the strings, it was a quick-fire start that paved the way for the victory and importantly, settling any home nerves.  Cayla George had a big game in the frontcourt too, with a near double-double of 19 points and 9 rebounds.

Opals Legend Lauren Jackson had her best offensive game so far in the tournament with 12 points.

Another great news for Australia in the evening was the fact that Bec Allen dressed up and spent two minutes on the court. 

Australia can now look forward to meeting China in the Semi-Finals, which curiously was the case when last hosted back in 1994. China booked their spot in a case of fourth time lucky having lost all their previous Quarter-Finals games since they were introduced in 1998. They beat France 85-71.

Canada jumped into the Semi-Finals after powering their way past Puerto Rico 79-60 to continue their fine tournament and that set up a Semi-Finals meeting with neighbors USA. The reigning champions look unstoppable after they rode past Serbia 88-55.

FIBA