Historically, Australian women’s basketball has been a success story at the Olympics. The Opals have achieved three silver medals (2000, 2004, 2008) and two bronzes (1996, 2012).
This year’s Opals team has an undeniable buzz and excitement surrounding it. The roster features a brilliant mix of experienced, familiar names paired with young, electrifying Olympic debutants. They look to build on their rich history and bring home some more hardware.
Speaking of that history, there’s something in common with nearly all past teams and the current one. Outside of the 1996 Bronze, every podium finish for the Opals has featured Lauren Jackson.
She’s looking to make it once more.
At the age of 43, she’s proving class is permanent. Coming out of retirement and dominating in Australia, she provides maturity and leadership into this new era of Opals basketball.
Australia qualified in a group containing Canada, Nigeria and the host nation, France. It is certainly not a walk in the park, but good basketball would probably see the Opals through.
The first test was against Nigeria. Australia was heavy favourite, especially with the fact that Nigeria hadn’t won a game at the Olympics in 20 years.
The first quarter was tightly contested, as both teams traded baskets.
The opening term had flashes of brilliance, including a beautiful display of team basketball from the Opals.
Alanna Smith dribbled into a hand-off to Steph Talbot, who swiftly found Smith again as she rolled to the basket. Smith attracted two defenders and smartly kicked it out to Sami Whitcomb who barely touched the ball before swinging into a swished three from Jade Melbourne.
Despite this, Nigeria responded by knocking down four triples in the first frame to narrowly lead the Opals, 18-17 at the first break.
The second quarter was a different story. Nigeria stayed hot from downtown, capitalising off some excellent ball movement as they generated great shots. Nigerian players Ezinne Kalu and Amy Okonkwo combined for seven three-point shots on 14 attempts for the game.
Six turnovers in the period further hampered the Opals, and they were outscored in the quarter by 12, as Nigeria increased its lead to 13 at halftime.
Whatever halftime speech head coach Sandy Brondello gave had an impact. Australia responded strongly in the second half, immediately swinging momentum and trimming the lead to just four at the end of the third quarter.
The fourth quarter is where things tightened up. Australia slowly chipped at the deficit to get it within five points with a little over six minutes to play. As the shot clock wound down, Steph Talbot drove and found Alanna Smith for a timely three-pointer.
The momentum sat with Australia, the margin was just two points and there was plenty of time. It all seemed to be coming together for the Opals.
However, an offensive meltdown followed. In the final six minutes, Australia made just two of ten field goals, one of four free throws and gave away three turnovers.
Nigeria rode this to outscore Australia in that timeframe 17 to four and closeout the game, 75-62. Notably, Australia committed an egregious 26 total turnovers.
A disappointing result and an upset loss were the reality for the Opals. They had lots to learn before their next game against Canada.
The Opals jumped out of the gates against Canada, leading 18-16 at the end of the first quarter. Ezi Magbegor was everywhere, leading the Opals with eight points and a block.
Australia built on their lead to hold a six-point halftime advantage. The offence looked far more free-flowing and lively than their opening game against Nigeria.
An all-around, balanced effort aided the Opals in the second half. They had five players in double-figure scoring, while Talbot and Whitcomb combined for 16 assists. The score remained close, but Australia managed to keep Canada at bay. There were only three lead changes for the game, and Australia led by as much as 13 points in the fourth quarter.
Canada scored 10 of the last 13 points in the contest, but it wasn’t enough, as Australia were victors, 70-65.
After two group games, Australia turns their attention to the group leaders, France. There are multiple scenarios for the Opals to qualify for the knockouts, but there are also scenarios that will send them packing.
The simplest scenario to qualify is to beat France.
Unfortunately, it is easier said than done. The host nation has been dominant through two games, winning by a combined margin of 42 points.
Interestingly, France won both games against Canada and Nigeria to the same score, 75-54.
Australia has a point to prove. Simply, to analyse this matchup: a win will put you through, and a loss will send you home.
The key to this game against France is how the Opals value their offensive possessions.
They have had many amazing actions that involve most on-court players getting a touch, but it is far and few between.
Something the Opals need to monitor and address is turnovers. Australia has given the ball away, a staggering, 46 times across two games, an amount that makes you wonder how they even got one win. The Opals must keep their flowing and swift ball movement, but not pass into tight windows and make the right offensive reads.
To stay in the tournament, Australia must win. Yes, they can technically still qualify with a loss, but it’s not much fun putting your fate in the faith of other results.
So, it’s win or go home.
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