Just after 2 a.m., a false fire alarm sounded in the hotel where the majority of the Women's Basketball World Cup teams were staying, prompting an immediate evacuation of the building. The alarm was triggered by someone pressing the emergency button in the elevator, and no actual fire was reported.
Who Was Affected
All squads except the United States team were roused from their rooms and escorted outside, enduring a sudden interruption to their night’s rest. The Americans, who had been housed in a separate hotel, remained untouched by the incident and slept through the disturbance.
Coaches React
Australia’s head coach Sandy Brondello described the episode as a “what‑if situation,” noting it was a new experience for her side. Turkish coach Andrea Masson reported that his team managed only about three hours of sleep because of the early alarm, yet he emphasized that the disruption was not being used as an excuse for the team’s performance.
Game Outcome
Despite the early‑morning disruption, Australia secured their first win of the day, defeating Turkey 87‑71. Forward Ezi Magbegor said the interruption did not affect the team’s play, stressing that the situation was beyond their control.
The incident underscored the logistical challenges of a global tournament, but the affected teams demonstrated resilience, finishing the day with competitive performances while the United States remained unaffected.