Australia cruised to the gold medal in style on Sunday, smashing Canada by 40 points.
Final score
Australia 87
Canada 47
The Australian Boomers will be out to complete a perfect Commonwealth Games when they face shock qualifiers Canada in the gold medal match. Join The Roar for live scores and coverage from 11:30am (AEST).
Australia haven’t yet lost a game at the Commonwealth Games, and their most likely challenger – New Zealand – failed to qualify for the final.
It was a shock loss in the semi-final, to say the least, with Canada springing a huge surprise on the Tall Blacks, winning right on the buzzer.
New Zealand played a poor game, but there is nothing to say they should have been challenged by Canada, who struggled against both the Boomers and Tall Blacks in the group stage of the tournament.
Canada had already beaten Nigeria during the group stage, before getting over England in the qualifying final to book their spot against Paul Henare’s men.
The Boomers, on the other hand, have been far from perfect, but are yet to lose a game.
Australia were challenged by New Zealand in their second group game, with the Kiwis leading for three quarters before squandering it in the final.
Their semi-final yesterday saw a thumping 57-point win over Scotland, who, like Canada not making it to the final, weren’t supposed to make it that far in the tournament.
It’s hard to get a true reading on where Australia are at given they have only had one genuinely competitive game, but their backcourt and starting five haven’t dominated the way they would be expected to at times.
The third quarter against Scotland yesterday was their best of the tournament, and if they can build on that, the North American outfit won’t get close.
Despite that, Canada will be full of confidence and given they beat a New Zealand team who outplayed the Aussies for three quarters yesterday, anything is possible.
Prediction
Like in the group stage, the Boomers will dominate from start to finish. Canada may have learnt a thing or two from that match, but their young and inexperienced team will be no match for the Boomers machine.
Australia by 28.
Be sure to join The Roar for live coverage of the match from 11:30am (AEST) and don’t forget to add a comment in the section below.
BrainsTrust
Guest
The scheduling has been ridiculous. There was a 4 day gap between the quarter and semi finals. Australia had a big advantage with a soft match against Scotland yesterday. Canada and New Zealand either would have been beaten easily after yesterdays match. Not that it mattered for the result it was too much of a walk in the park.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Thanks for joining me this afternoon on The Roar for our live coverage of the Commonwealth Games. This is the final day of the Games and with the end of this one, it wraps up a busy 11 days for myself. Been great to cover such a wide range of sports, so hopefully you have enjoyed it all. I'll be back at 2pm (AEST) for live coverage of the Panthers and Titans in the NRL. Bye for now.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Thoughts on the match and tournament then Roarers?
Scott Pryde
Expert
Cheers Damo! Been great to have you on board.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Well, the Boomers are champions of the Commonwealth. It was expected, and certainly not to easily without having to play New Zealand in the final, but they have put in a great performance. Every single player scoring for Australia. Chris Goulding led the way with 11.
Damo
Guest
Thanks for all the bball calls and banter Scott. See you soon.
Scott Pryde
Expert
FULLTIME One more shot each, and this game will just run down to the end now. Australia dribble out the final 22 seconds and the Boomers are Commonwealth Games champions. It's been an excellent 12 months for this NBL-led Aussie team. Chalk up the FIBA Asia Cup, a four and zero record to start their World Cup qualifying campaign and now this. Australia - 87 Canada - 47
Scott Pryde
Expert
Q4 1' Lead back to 40. Lovely finish in the paint from Brandt right there. Australia - 85 Canada - 45
Scott Pryde
Expert
Q4 1' Kapinga with a miss, then it's Norton into the paint. He misses and it'll be Canada the other way. Offensive foul against Mukama as he knocks Sobey over in the paint. Australia - 83 Canada - 45
Scott Pryde
Expert
Q4 2' Gap cut to 35, but then straight back out to 38. Great answer from Wagstaff. Australia - 83 Canada - 45
Scott Pryde
Expert
Q4 3' Fair to say this game is just winding down now. Missed shots at both ends, then Aileyn gets to the free throw line and makes both. Australia - 80 Canada - 42
Scott Pryde
Expert
Q4 4' Back at the convention centre, the scoreboard is now reading double. Sobey with a miss. Australia - 80 Canada - 40
Scott Pryde
Expert
Don't forget, there is a stack of live sport on The Roar this afternoon. Some of it is getting underway now with the netball final between Australia and England. Jump over to the home page to find that one.
Scott Pryde
Expert
Q4 6' Walker adds the extra. Australia - 75 Canada - 34
Scott Pryde
Expert
Q4 6' Misses at both ends, then it's going to be Lucas Walker getting onto the scoresheet for the first time today. He drove the lane and ran past Morgan to drop it in, drawing the foul as well. Australia - 74 Canada - 34
Scott Pryde
Expert
Q4 7' Canada with an awful offensive set and a shot at the end of clock won't go down. Ball tipped over the sideline as the Boomers race back up the floor. Australia - 72 Canada - 32
Scott Pryde
Expert
Q4 7' Timeout called. Australia - 72 Canada - 32
Scott Pryde
Expert
Q4 7' NEWLEY! Morgan was bringing it up the floor there and had it stripped away by Newley who ran the length of the floor to throw it down! Australia - 72 Canada - 32
Scott Pryde
Expert
Q4 8' Well, garbage time at the end of this one now. Australia cruising to the finish line. Australia - 70 Canada - 32
Scott Pryde
Expert
THREE QUARTER TIME Well, that run for Canada didn't last. Australia grab another five points and they lead by 34 points with a quarter to go on the Gold Coast in the final. Australia - 63 Canada - 29