DESPITE an unexpectedly delayed start to their campaign, the Australian Gems are finally underway at the 2025 FIBA U19 World Cup in Czechia, defeating Brazil by 28 points in their first outing of the tournament in the ideal way to kick things off.

The Aussies were initially meant to kick off their campaign against Mali on Saturday night, but visa issues forced the latter to forfeit the match in an underwhelming opening night for the Aussies. Instead, they turned their attention to Brazil, as the likes of the United States and Canada got off to the perfect start.

Australia was simply too good for the opposition, breaking away from Brazil in the second quarter en route to a whopping win to get off to the perfect start at the tournament.

Brazil (59) def. by Australian Gems (87)

It was an entertaining start to the match, with the Aussies controlling the opening minutes of the contest and jumping out to a double-digit lead in no time at all. It looked as if the Gems were going to run away with the match early, but Brazil stormed home in the closing stages of the quarter, going on an 11-2 run to finish the term and tie up proceedings at the first change.

Although the first term was even overall, the second frame was more of what was expected, with the Gems taking over the contest in a dominant display. After starting the quarter on a 7-0 run, the Aussies ended up winning the term 25-10 to blow the game open on the eve of half time, and led by 15 points at the main change in emphatic fashion.

The Gems maintained their momentum coming out of half-time, not allowing Brazil to make any sort of run and pushing the margin outside of 20 points. With plenty of scoring options and relentless effort on the defensive end, the Aussies were simply far too good for the opposition, and led by 22 points at the final break.

It was more of the same in the final frame from Australia, with the Gems refusing to take the foot off the accelerator and continuing to push their score even further ahead. Although the Brazilians tried to cut the margin down to a more respectable number, the Aussies were ruthless, and ended up claiming a 28-point win.

Madison Ryan led the way for the Gems in a team effort, posting 22 points on a remarkably efficient 9/11 shooting from the field, including a perfect 5/5 from inside the arc in a damaging scoring performance. Highly touted youngster Bonnie Deas was not far behind, almost posting a double-double with 17 points and nine rebounds, while NBL1 star Sitaya Fagan took her craft to the international stage with a 15-point outing.

For Brazil, the duo of Manu Alves and Ayla McDowell fought hard all game and kept the game from being an even bigger blowout. Alves posted a team-high 20 points to go with eight rebounds, while McDowell had 18 points of her own as the pair tried to keep their side in the contest despite the strength of the Australian outfit.

The Gems will now turn their attention to France on Wednesday morning, where the Aussies will be eager to advance to the next stage of the tournament.