Australia-Vs-Belgium – 29/09/2022

Bec Allen returns after a 2 game lay off and starts on the bench.

The Opals tempo starts the game strong, however Belgium are the ones initially making the shots.

Eventually Sara Blicavs and Marianna Tolo are finding their rhythm making all of their shots inside the key to put the Opals up by two points 10 – 8 with 5:43 to go in the first half.

Belgium can’t seem to find any offensive momentum as Australia aren’t leaving any shot uncontested.

After a 14 – 0 run by the Opals, Belgium calls a time out with 3:43 left on the clock as they trail by 9 points 17 to 8.

Belgiums Emma Meesseman’s injury is really hurting her side as they are missing her size.

At the end of the first quarter, the Opals lead by 10 points over Belgium 26 – 16.

Australia poise from the quarter break was missing, Belgium took advantage finding their rhythm bringing the lead to 7 points after quick 5 point. This triggered Opals Head Coach Sandy Brondello to call a time out with 6:35 left in the half.

Belgium changed from relying on their shot to playing a pick and roll game which helps them to keep scoreboard pressure on the Opals.

Australia can’t let their guard down as Belgium have two players scoring well with 13 Kyara Linsken leading her team 10 points and then number 35 Julie Vanloo.

The Opals close out the half strong with 15-point lead 52 – 37.

It’s clear Australia can win this game by looking inside for their points as they lead in the 2-point shooting percentage category with 63% to 44%.

Both teams go scoreless in the for the first 3 minutes until Cayla George breaks the drought with a fade away 2 point shot which is followed by a crafty shot by Blicavs and then Cayla George again for another deuce.

Scoring momentum is going in the way of the Opals with 5:21 left, Marianna Tolo gets the ball inside where she shoots and scores the bucket as she is fouled.

Belgium have lifted this quarter but it’s hard to comeback with Lauren Jackson reaching a new tournament high of 10 points with 4:07 left.

Coach Brondello has faith in her team that they can hold the next 2:08 in the third quarter by subbing on Anneli Maley.

It’s another impressive quarter for the Australian Opals who close out the third with a 24-point lead 72 – 48.

The fourth quarter started with Belgium getting an 8 – 0 point run. Coach Brondello wants to steady her team, so she calls a timeout with 7:34 remaining in the fourth quarter.

Australia scored almost halfway through fourth with 5:36 remaining from a Cayla George jump shot.

There was no need for the Opals to go on any scoring run as the game was not going to go south as long as Australia wasn’t careless.

Australia cruises out the fourth quarter and advance to play China in the semi-finals which will be an exciting match which will be played at 7:30pm AEST on friday the 30th of September.

The Opals win by 17-points 86 to Belarus 69.

Stats –

1 – Cayla George | 19 points | 9 rebounds | 2 assists | 1 steal | 1 block

2 – Marianna Tolo |13 points | 6 rebounds | 2 assists |

3 – Lauren Jackson |12 points | 1 rebounds | 2 steals |

4 – Sara Blicavs | 12 points | 9 rebounds | 1 assist | 1 block |

5 – Tess Magden | 9 points | 1 rebound | 3 assists | 1 steal |