tony Blair
Years ago
FIBA write up on the opals
SAO PAULO (2006 FIBA World Championship for Women) - The Defence Jobs Opals will enter the quarter-final stage of the FIBA World Championship for Women as top seeds and full of confidence after their 84-49 triumph over Argentina.
Lauren Jackson starred for Australia with an 30 points, four rebounds and two steals in just 20 minutes of play. Hollie Grima and Belinda Snell each had 10 points in support.
Natalia Rios had 14 points and three assists to lead Argentina.
Opals starting point guard Kristi Harrower sat out the game due to an upset stomach, but the team hardly missed her as they provided further evidence they could reach the gold medal game.
Australia led 21-10 after one quarter and by half time they had a 15 point lead, 41-26.
Jan Stirling's team did not ease off and by three-quarter time, they led 63-38.
With Australia's star players taking a well earned rest, the Opals' bench players took over in the fourth quarter and powered home to victory by 34 points.
The win was the Opals' sixth straight and with three games remaining in the tournament, they are the hottest prospect to knock off Team USA, the championship favourite.
The Opals' quarter-final will be played against Russia, who have yet to hit their stride.
Good to see FIBA has us as Gold Medal Favourites I can see this team bringing home our first senior Gold Medal.
