yogee
Years ago
Opals win GOLD at FIBA Diamond Ball
Media Release from BA
The Australian women's basketball team, the 'Price Attack' Opals have completed their Olympic preparation taking gold with a victory over China in the final of the inaugural FIBA Diamond Ball Tournament in Heraklion, Greece on Sunday night.
Once again Lauren Jackson was a dominant force scoring 24 points and collecting 13 rebounds. Captain Trish Fallon was also very strong at both ends of the court and the Opals found it necessary to make adjustments when Kristi Harrower received a nasty eye injury and left the court after only nine minutes. Alicia Poto stepped up into the role admirably.
The Opals struggled at times to contain the quick and very aggressive Chinese who were again extremely physical throughout. China wrestled the lead from the Opals during the third quarter by a margin of five but the Opals held firm regaining their composure. It was their ability to dominate the rebounding in the vital final four minutes that saw them come away with a very encouraging win.
Heading to her fourth Olympics Sandy Brondello provided a great offensive spark off the bench.
"It was a great win against a very well oiled and drilled Chinese team leading into the Olympics," Brondello said.
"While we still know we need to fine tune a few things, we are very happy with where we are at and winning the first ever Diamond Ball Tournament is sensational."
The Opals will now rest in Heraklion until August 11 when they will travel to Athens to enter the Olympic Village.
Australian top scorers: Jackson 24 (13 rebounds), Fallon 13 (8 rebounds), Brondello 8, Batkovic 8
Chinese top scorers: Chen 17 (8 rebounds),Bian 15, Lijie 12 pts
'Price Attack' Opals pre-Olympic schedule
28 July defeated Russia 60-55
29 July defeated Belgium 65-56
30 July defeated Spain 65-58
1 August lost to Czech Republic 78-69
2 August defeated Czech Republic 57-48
6 August defeated Korea 84-59 FIBA Diamond Ball Tournament
7 August defeated Greece 75-57
8 August defeated China 74-70 (GOLD)
11 August Depart Heraklion for Athens Olympic Village
