Australia Vs France – 22/09/22

In the Opals first outing of the tournament against France, there were many areas that worked well for Australia.

Both teams were trading buckets in the first half, one area that was very noticeable was the impact that fellow Gabby Williams who plays WNBA and is a team mate to a few of the Opals.

Williams made great decisions and took on Australia’s defence on. At quarter time the score was Australia – 17 to France – 18. Coach Brondello made a noticeable change on Williams after the first quarter as the Opals had their moments to shine.

Gabby Williams went quiet then Australia picked up the pace scoring quick buckets from a fiery Bec Allen.

The effort from Allen and others like Sami Whitcomb gave Australia the confidence as the Opals were only trailing by 1 point at the half 32 to 31.

After the half, Mariana Tolo came out looking strong and making incredible moves that made the Opals fans go wild.

The pace was in the Opals favour, unfortunately the momentum wouldn’t hold with calls not going Australia’s way which created the frustration meaning the teams energy changed by the end of the 3^rd quarter with the Opals still trailing 52 – 47.

The focus then shifted to Ezi Magbegor who found some form at the start of the 4^th quarter, however the team’s energy they had would recover despite the defence picking up.

(Photograph by Kelly Defina/Getty Images)

Shots were not falling for the Opals whereas France were making theirs. France had a lead bigger than 10 points and things looked grim.

Head Coach Sandy Brondello called a time out which gave the Opals a burst of energy to peg back the defecate within 7 points. However, France kept making shots and playing within a great temp to expand the lead to a 13-point victory 70 – 57.