London: Opals lose heartbreaker to France + VIDEO

Belinda Snell forced OT with a half-court heave but the Opals fell to France, 74-70.

Belinda Snell makes her miracle shot at the end of regulation (Getty Images)

Despite an amazing half-court buzzer-beater from Belinda Snell which sent the game to an extra period, the Opals have fallen to France in their second Pool B game, 74-70 in OT.

Snell nailed a running shot from beyond the halfcourt line to tie the game up at the end of the fourth quarter, 65-65.

With both Lauren Jackson and Liz Cambage fouling out in regulation however the Opals couldn’t quite manage to stop the French from handing Australia the loss.

Suzy Batkovic led the Opals with 17 points and 10 rebounds, while Jackson had 13 points and six rebounds and Cambage 12 points before fouling out.

Australia started the better and led 14-11 at the first break.  France found their rhythm in the second period however and at the half had established a 28-27 lead through some attacking play from their guards.

The French blew out to a double-digit lead in the third period but the Opals, mainly through some inspired play from Jenna O’Hea, came racing back and trailed by just a single point at the end of the quarter, 52-51.

France looked to have the game won in regulation but a blown lay-up and Snell’s miracle heave sent the game into overtime and the Opals into wild celebrations.
The euphoria was to be shortlived however as French guard Celine Dumerc nailed two free-throws to give France an unbeatable four-point win with 3.9 second remaining.

The boxscore of the game is available at http://static.sportresult.com/fiba-live/?event=6233&game=15