Sapphires lose against Brazil

The Australian young women's basketball team has lost to the Brazillian young women's side 89-81, despite making a comeback in the final quarter.

The match was played at Northeastern University's Matthews Arena in Bosten in the United States, and was the second game of the Sapphires friendly series in the US.

Hollie Grima led the Sapphires scoring with 18 points and five rebounds.

Shelley Hammonds continued her good form adding 15 points, and Laura Summerton and Michelle Musselwhite added 14 points each.

Coach Mark Wright says he expects the Brazillian young women's team to perform well in the upcoming world championships to be held from July 25 to August 12 in Sibenik, Croatia.

"Brazil are a very strong and physical team," Wright said in a statement.

"I am pleased with the way the girls applied themselves in the last quarter, especially the bench when they were called upon.

"I am happy with our progress towards what we are trying to achieve," he said.

The game formed part of a friendly series between the US, Australia and Brazil young women, and the US Pan American Games squad.

All three young women's teams are working toward the 2003 world championships beginning next week in Croatia.

The Sapphires play their final game in the US on Saturday against the US Pan American team.