Opals at #3, Rose Gold and Jade
IN the aftermath of the Women's World Cup in Sydney, FIBA's latest global ranking has Australia accurately installed as #3 behind the USA and China, most of us happy the culture restoration is on course but few asking how it fell away so badly? If you don't learn the lessons of history, you're doomed to repeat the same mistakes.
WWC Wrap: What's Great | What Grates
HAILED as the "greatest FIBA Women's World Cup ever" as a record 145,519 fans filed through the turnstiles over 10 days, despite an AFL and an NRL grand final virtually either side of it - well of course it was! Just as the Olympics 22 years ago were the greatest, why would another event in the same place be any different?
WWC: Lauren cements her legacy and legend
LAUREN Jackson already is the G.O.A.T. of Australian basketball. Today, in her Opals international swansong, the 41-year-old mother-of-two uncorked a champagne "Player of the Game" performance, scoring 30 points as Australia claimed the FIBA World Cup Bronze Medal with an emphatic 95-65 rout of Canada.
WWC: Disappointment as Opals fall short
DISAPPOINTMENT. It was the prevailing emotion tonight as Australia fell just 59-61 short of China, instead dropping into the battle for Bronze tomorrow against Canada at the FIBA Women's World Cup at Qudos Bank Arena. Disappointment and despair though are two different emotions and the Opals have half a day to bounce back.
WWC: Aussies get the chocolates from Belgium
SUPPORTERS of Australia's Opals at the FIBA Women's World Cup will need to be out and in full voice tomorrow when they face the hugely-followed Chinese team in a semi final after tonight turning away Belgium 86-69 at Sydney's Qudos Bank Arena, Cayla George adding the finishing touches to a strong victory.
Golden Opals roll into the Hall of Fame
A MAGNIFICENT Opals reunion yesterday at Waterview which reintroduced the Oz94 Australian team and brought together past national women's players all the way back to the 1957 FIBA World Championship team, culminated with the announcement the 2006 Gold Medal-winning team will be inducted into the Australian Basketball Hall of Fame.
WWC: Aussies draw Belgium in quarterfinals
AUSTRALIA's Opals will face Belgium in a KO quarterfinal tomorrow for the chance to advance to the FIBA Women's World Cup semifinals and within touching distance of a medal podium finish. The fixture at Qudos Bank Arena tips off at 8.30pm and sure to draw another loud and supportive crowd for the home team.
WWC: Opals top group, with Serbian assist
SERBIA's stunning 68-62 win over France tonight flung open the door for Australia to seize first place in Group B at the FIBA Women's World Cup and the Opals obliged by cutting down Japan 71-54 at Qudos Bank Arena, Kristy Wallace a huge spark and Steph Talbot again the home team's most consistent performer.
WWC: Oh Canada! Opals home in thriller
OPALS supporters tomorrow will be barracking for a Serbian upset over France after Australia tonight staved off Canada 75-72 at the FIBA Women's World Cup, the match at Qudos Bank Arena a statement game from Ezi Magbegor and an exceptional Steph Talbot.
WWC: Opals serve up Serbs
BUILDING on their breakthrough rout of Mali at the FIBA Women's World Cup in Sydney, the Opals tonight turned back a desperate and physical Serbia 69-54 to restart their podium campaign. But they had an anxious overnight wait after star shooter Bec Allen was hurt late in the game and assisted from the floor.