The Seven Consulting Opals have qualified for the 2024 Paris Olympics with a comprehensive win over Germany on Sunday.
Following Friday’s nail biter against Brazil, Australia led from the outset extending their lead at every break on the way to an 85-52 victory at the FIBA Qualifying Tournament in Belem, Brazil.
With two wins to their name and one game remaining against Serbia on Monday, the Opals have punched their ticket to Paris marking the 10th Olympic appearance (1984, 1988, 1996, 2000, 2004, 2008, 2012, 2016, 2020) for Australia’s women’s program.
All 12 Australia players hit the court and scored in the 33-point win.
The experience of Tess Madgen (15 points, six rebounds, three assists) was on show with 13 of her points coming in the first half, Bec Allen (10 points) was part of an intriguing match-up with Germany’s Leonie Fiebich (12 points) who in 2022 was MVP in the Warwick Senators NBL1 National Championship.
Lauren Jackson added 10 points with Alanna Smith (8 points, 8 rebounds) making an impact at both ends of the floor.
Isobel Borlase (10 points, 2 rebounds, 1 block) showed poise and her impressive skill set in her Opals debut.
The 19-year-old checked in for her first minutes late in the second quarter and by half time had tallied 7 points from just 2.28 minutes.
The Opals will look to wrap up the tournament with a third and final win on Monday when they face Serbia at 7am, AEDT.
The game is live on ESPN and Kayo.
Australia 85 (Madgen 15 points, Allen 10, Borlase 10) defeated Germany 52 (Fiebich 12, Geiselsoder 9, Hartmann 9)
Box score found here
| Game 2 | ||
| Australia vs Serbia | Monday 7am, AEDT | ESPN/Kayo |
