Opals hot form continues at FIBA Asia Cup, but next game crucial
The Australian Opals are now two from two in the FIBA Women’s Basketball Asia Cup as they continue to fly the green and gold flag on the hard court.
The Opals served up a thumping 71-point win over the Philippines, beating them 105-34 on Monday, with this victory beating the previous margin record between the teams at the Asia Cup.
The Opals, which had Darcee Garbin, Alice Kunek, Tess Madgen, Lauren Nicholson, and Lauren Scherf start, lead 56-23 at halftime with great contributions from Chloe Bibby (eight points), Kunek (eight points) and Garbin (10 points).
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On Tuesday (day two) they clashed with Chinese Taipei with bookmakers suggesting another dominant display from the Australians with a margin of 40+, paying $1.82.
At half time the Opals were up 41-24 off the back of a great individual contribution from Keely Froling of 12 points and five rebounds.
The Opals eventually won 91-45 in another dominant display with Froling finishing with 16 points and nine rebounds.
The Asia Cup runs from June 26 through to July 2 in Sydney, with the Opals firmly in contention to give their home fans the ultimate celebration.
A new coach is at the helm for the Opals in Shannon Seebohm, after he led both Townsville teams to NBL1 North Women’s and Women’s National Basketball League titles last season.
His announcement as the new national women’s coach, along with the fresh talent named on the squad rings in a new chapter for the Opals, who are ranked third internationally. Generation next will be looking to build on the Opals 10 Olympic Games, 16 World Cups, and three Asia Cups.
The Australians have never won an Asia Cup but have come close with a silver (2017) and two bronze finishes (2019, 2021).
The silver medal in 2017 came down to the final, where the Opals were beaten by Japan 74-73, a result that this current squad will be doing everything to make amends for.
The Japanese are the only real competition for the Opals in the pool stage and again loom as a threat to win the title.
Japan is ranked ninth internationally and after going down in last year’s Women’s World Cup, to a full-strength Australian side 71-54, they will be keen to turn it around.
It won’t take long for the two teams to clash again, with the Opals set to play the Japanese on Wednesday, and with both teams unbeaten it promises to be a cracking contest.
The Japanese squad led by only nine points at halftime in their first game, but dispensed of Chinese Taipei 94-53.
On Tuesday, the Japanese were victorious again, beating the Philippines 95-57, with this their best performance and a good primer for their clash against the Opals.
Day Three will see games tip-off on Wednesday from 11am with New Zealand v Lebanon, Chinese Taipei v Philippines (1.30 PM), China v South Korea (5 PM), and Australia v Japan (7:30 PM).
2023 Opals FIBA Asia Cup Squad: Amy Atwell, Chloe Bibby, Keely Froling, Darcee Garbin, Shyla Heal, Chantel Horvat, Alice Kunek, Tess Madgen, Anneli Maley, Lauren Nicholson, Maddy Rocci, Lauren Scherf.
