Team USA maintained its unbeaten run in the FIBA World Cup qualifiers with the deep, talented roster delivering in the game. The team already qualifies for the main event in Germany, but opted to participate in the qualifying games to give its young roster experience in the international games. Another team that shared a similar storyline in the FIBA World Cup qualifiers is Team Australia, and the star of their victories is Alanna Smith.
The Minnesota Lynx forward was a key player alongside fellow WNBA Star Ezi Magbegor for the Opals in the preparation for the mega event, and the Lynx forward did not shy away from the responsibility.
Alanna Smith Leads Team Australia To Dominant World Qualifiers
Following the three consecutive wins, Team Australia faces the challenge of the Turkish team, which led the game and threatened to break the Aussies’ streak. But Australia’s 7-0 run in the third quarter and strong defensive gameplay in the closing moments of the game helped the side to clinch a nervy victory.
Forward Smith anchored Australia with 18 points and 10 rebounds, posting a +15 plus/minus and an efficiency rating of 18 as she dominated in the paint and on the glass.
Lan leads Australia to its fourth win in World Cup Qualifying 🇦🇺 pic.twitter.com/5jFcr0Bkio
— Minnesota Lynx (@minnesotalynx) March 17, 2026
The Lynx star showcased her defensive prowess during the 2025 WNBA Season as coach Cheryl Reeve named her Defensive Player of the Year. She won the accolade too, sharing the prize with A’ja Wilson, and became only the second Aussie player to claim an individual award.
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But it’s not only the 5V5 games where she shone this season; the in-form forward also remained a key player in Mist BC’s recent champions run in the Unrivaled league.
Alanna Smith Shines At Unrivalled League
The 29-year-old forward was one of the shrewd additions to Breanna Stewart’s Mist BC team. Even though she didn’t have high numbers on the stats sheet, her impactful plays handed the team an edge in the matchups.
The Australian star shone throughout the second edition of the competition reaching double digits in six of the Mist’s games during the regular season and posted a season-high of 18 points During the semifinal game against the Breeze BC, Smith had 11 points, going 3-from-3 from beyond the arc, as well as six rebounds, five assists and two steals providing the team a third offensive option in the clutch matchup.