However, after China took a timeout, Li Yueru was fouled under the basket with 0.6 seconds left in what looked to be a late and controversial call. She calmly slotted both free throws to give China a 76-74 win.<\/p>\n
O'Hea kept Australia alive in the final quarter two of her three triples in the final minute of play, but her shooting heroics were unable to rescue the Opals.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ezi Magbegor led Australia with 15 points and four rebounds, while Wang Siyu was unstoppable for China with 20 points, three rebounds and five assists.<\/p>\n
The Aussies lost WNBA star Stephanie Talbot in the third quarter, after she appeared to aggravate a foot injury.<\/p>\n
Former Opal Tully Bevilaqua spoke for many when she Tweeted: "Had to walk it off … am totally gutted for the Opals!! To be decided on that call so tough!! Proud of this team!!"<\/p>\n
The loss leaves Australia needing a healthy win over Puerto Rico in its final group stage match if it is to advance to the quarter-finals.<\/p>\n
With an 0-2 record and a point differential of -17, the Opals must inflict a heavy defeat on Puerto Rico in order to qualify as one of the eight teams into the next round.<\/p>\n
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