Basketball On The Internet.

THE Baby Boomers have survived a second tough challenge by holding out France 84-81 at the FIBA World Under-17 Championship in Dubai.

Tonight they tackle Canada for the chance to sweep the group, having already taken Japan’s scalp in overtime.

Australia led 82-75 on a basket by Matthew Owies (nine points, six rebounds, three assists, three blocks) with 69 seconds left before a last French overture.

Three buckets, including consecutive baskets from Luc Loubaki, the second with just 15 seconds left, closed it to 81-82.

Just two seconds elapsed before the French fouled Kyle Clark who missed the first bonus free throw but made the second for 83-81.

Stephane Gombauld missed his chance to tie the game, then fouled Isaac Humphries as he snared the defensive rebound.

Humphries made his first freebie for 84-81, then missed the second, France’s shot for the tie missing its mark.

Humphries finished with nine points and six boards, Dejan Vasiljevic again leading the Aussies with 18 points.

Harry Froling had three boards and three assists with his 12 points and Kouat Noi scored 11 points in another solid performance.

Canada looms as a telling contest, the Canucks smacking away Japan 96-52, in contrast to their 66-76 loss to France.

Australia is 2-0, France 1-1, Canada 1-1 and Japan 0-2, making tonight’s clash huge.

ANOTHER week, another Opals team.

OK. Excuse my cynicism because this lineup to head for Europe is probably just three unavailable players – Lauren Jackson, Penny Taylor, Erin Phillips – away from the Australian team that will represent the country at the World Championship in Turkey.

Gabe Richards replaces outgoing Opals retiree Jenni Screen from the team which recently whipped through a Japanese tour.

The current team is Rebecca Allen, Natalie Burton, Elizabeth Cambage, Laura Hodges, Natalie Hurst, Rachel Jarry, Tessa Lavey, Tess Madgen, Leilani Mitchell, Gabrielle Richards, Belinda Snell, Marianna Tolo.

Cayla Francis probably can consider herself a little stiff.

The Opals play Czech Republic in Pilsen on Saturday, then play two games next week against Belarus in Minsk.

Then it is on to Istanbul for matches against Canada, Brazil and the hosts, Turkey.