Let's look at this matchup, ladies and gentlemen. We've got Canada taking on Australia, a clash between the teams ranked 3rd and 4th in Group B. It's like watching two out-of-work actors fight for the last biscuit at the buffet.
Firstly, let's not overlook Canada's surprise win over Australia in a recent showdown, edging them out 77-74. One might say it was as accurate a representation of the phrase 'a narrow escape' as any.
Looking at the rosters, for Canada, we've got Shay Colley and Bridget Carleton posting identical numbers of 11 and 8 points per game respectively. Throw in someone like Kayla Alexander who's averaging 10 rebounds a game and it looks like a slightly-above-mid-table school report card. Not quite the stuff of legends, but there's potential.
On the flip side, the Australian squad showcases Alanna Smith with impressive 15 points per game and Samantha Whitcomb contributing 13 points per game. And mind you, these aren't just sugar-coated stats from last year. These are this season's numbers. It's like watching an episode of Gladiator right in your living room.
But let's get something straight. Just like my hair on a rainy day, recent form for both teams has been less than impressive. Australia's recent defeat against Nigeria and Canada's tumble versus France are both far from advertisements for how the game of basketball should be played.
However, a prediction has to be made, doesn’t it? Given Australia is hoped to be the team eating alligator meat tonight and bearing in mind their slightly elevated firepower, I’m gonna go out on a limb and predict they will speak in the language of victory once again but by a whisker.
Albert’s Prediction: Australia by 3