The Australian women’s basketball team claimed a 2-1 series victory against the People’s Republic of China following a 75-68 loss in the final match in Shenyang City on Sunday.
The Opals, who had won the first two games in Benxi City, rested the experienced players Lauren Jackson and Tess Madgen for the final match of the friendly tour.
Led by Isobel Borlase, who top-scored in the game with 17 points, and Zitina Aokuso (16 points), the Opals had the upper hand in the first two quarters. The visitors led 20-17 at the end of the first period and 39-33 at the half-time.
However, China turned the tables to lead 58-51 in the third quarter and maintained the seven-point lead to seal their first win of the series.
In Australia’s 72-70 win in the first game, Lauren Jackson (17 points) and Isobel Borlase (14 points) top-scored for the visitors. Zitina Aokuso (20 points) and Cayla George (15 points) created problems for the Chinese basketball team in the second game and helped the Aussies win the contest 80-72.
The next assignment for the Opals will be against hosts Japan at the Mitsui Fudosan Cup on June 20 and 21.
In July, Australia will host China before playing away games in Spain ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Australia will play Nigeria in their first game of the Paris Olympics on July 29 at the Pierre Mauroy Stadium in Lille. The Australian women’s basketball team has been drawn in Group B at the Olympics, alongside Canada, hosts France and Nigeria.