The Opals beat Japan to finish top of Group B at the World Cup and avoid the prospect of meeting the USA before the tournament final.
abc.net.au/news/australian-opals-defeat-japan-in-basketball-world-cup/101480216Australia's Opals have finished the group stage at the women's basketball World Cup with a 71-54 defeat of Japan that means they cannot meet red-hot tournament favourites USA until the final.The lead changed 13 times in the first halfThe knockout stage begins in Sydney on Thursday and is structured to prevent the winners of the two pools meeting in the quarter or semi-finals.
Bec Allen sat out a second consecutive game out with a rib injury and her presence was missed as the Opals again struggled to find their rhythm in offence early.Injected into the contest late in the first quarter, Lauren Jackson settled the nerves with an important three as the seconds ticked down to quarter-time but finished with only four minutes on court.
The Opals ran in seven unanswered points to start the second half when Japan's early pressure began to wane.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Is it time to believe in these Australian Opals?Even without the injured Bec Allen the Opals prove a point against Canada — and now who knows how far they can go at the FIBA Women's World Cup, writes Hayley Wildes.
Read more »
Opals come up big under pressure to upset Canada in nail-biterThe Australian Opals have their future in their own hands heading into the last group game of the FIBA Women’s World Cup in Sydney after a rousing 75-72 win over Canada on Monday night. | By Roy Ward opals rpjward
Read more »
Opals establish identity and handle Serbia's physicality at FIBA WWCThe Opals rebound against Serbia after a mixed start to the FIBA Women's World Cup — the Aussies answer coach Sandy Brondello's call for defence to be their calling card, writes Hayley Wildes.
Read more »
Opals establish identity and handle Serbia's physicality at FIBA WWCThe Opals rebound against Serbia after a mixed start to the FIBA Women's World Cup — the Aussies answer coach Sandy Brondello's call for defence to be their calling card, writes Hayley Wildes.
Read more »