Bronzed Opals eye Games
THE Opals are determined to learn lessons from their thirdplaced finish at the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup as they turn their focus towards Olympic qualification.
Ranked third in the world heading into the week-long tournament in Bangalore, Australia made light work of the Philippines and New Zealand in its opening group phase matches before a pivotal clash with seventh-ranked China.
But a heartbreaking 70-69 loss saw the Opals miss direct qualification to the semi-finals and needing to beat Taiwan and Japan to reach the final.
Australia eased past Taiwan then shot out to an 11-point lead in the semi-final but Japan’s quickness and outside shooting proved too much for the Opals as they completed a 76-64 comeback victory.
Japan went on to claim their fourth successive Asia Cup crown with a thrilling 71-68 win over China in the gold medal game.
Opals coach Sandy Brondello was disappointed with the loss to Japan but felt the experience would leave her squad better prepared for the road ahead. “Japan is a team that has been together much longer than we have,” Brondello said after Saturday’s result.
“We had a week’s preparation and I think that showed out tonight.” Australia’s WNBA contingent only joined the squad in the days leading up to the tournament while imposing centre Liz Cambage remained in the United States, with her Las Vegas Aces involved in the playoffs.
Australia has been drawn to face Japan, Taiwan and India in the pre-qualifying tournament for the Olympics, to be held from November 14-17 at a location announced later in the week.
Brondello expects a better showing by her Opals as they look to bounce back against the Olympics hosts with a place at the 2020 Games on the line.
“We’ve got stuff to work on; it’s a little different in style than what we are used to, we haven’t played them for two years so it’s a great game for us (to play) and we now move forward to November,” she said.
Forward Rebecca Allen was selected to the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup All-Star Five with averages of 11.7 points and 4.5 rebound through six matches, including a 20-point haul in a 98-62 victory over Korea in the bronze medal game. Allen believes the Opals will take plenty of positives from their efforts in India as they build towards Olympic qualification.
“It’s a really important tournament so we have to make sure we are mentally and physically ready, that’s the biggest thing for us,” she said.