Basketball On The Internet.

THE Opals today avenged their recent European tour loss to rapidly emerging Canada 80-67 ahead of additional Rio Olympics preparation games with France and USA.

A scintillating 29-13 first quarter bombardment by the Aussies set up victory though Canada won each subsequent quarter and superstar Penny Taylor had to produce an 11-point third period to guarantee the win.

Returning from a hip injury in the WNBA, Taylor led all scorers with 19 points and delivered it on 6-of-9 shooting, with 3-of-5 triples.

Taylor (above) also contributed five rebounds, two assists, a steal and two blocks.

Liz Cambage (16 points, five rebounds), Erin Phillips (12 points, five assists) and Leilani Mitchell (12 points, six boards, four assists) also scored in double-digits while Marianna Tolo reminded everyone of her FIBA World Championship form with eight points and three rebounds in 19 minutes.

Australia’s three opponents on this tour ahead of Rio – Canada, France and the U.S. – all boast wins over the Opals at their previous meeting.