The Australian Youth Opals have been forced into a decisive third series match by Japan after the reigning Olympic silver medalists won 56-55 in Sydney.
Key points:
- Sara Blicavs was the top scorer for the Opals with 16 points
- Monica Okoye scored a maximum of 20 points for Japan
- The Opals won the first game of the series 72-66
The Opals scored the final four points of Sunday’s second game, but Japan held on to tie the game until the final game in Newcastle on Tuesday.
The hosts, who won the series opener 72-66, scored the first nine points and led 13-2 in the first quarter of the second game, but both teams defended tenaciously and fought offensively in one game. low score.
The Opals fired 30 percent from the field and 20 percent from three-point territory, with Japan firing 28 percent and 25 percent, respectively.
The two teams combined for just 13 of the 56 long bombs.
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Forward Sara Blicavs starred in the Opals, the top scorer with 16 points and a maximum of 12 rebounds.
Young baseman Shyla Heal added a bit of spark from the bench, hitting three long bombs in the second half to finish off 11 points, as did striker Darcee Garbin.
Guard Tess Madgen and power forward Cayla George each dragged 10 boards to help the Opals get a 55-44 rebounding advantage, but between them they only made three of 21 from the field.
Monica Okoye annoyed the Opals with her inside-out play, scoring a maximum of 20 points in just under 24 minutes.
Okoye hit seven nine from the field, including three of five long-term.
Current WNBL MVP Anneli Maley will make his Opals debut on Tuesday after returning from the United States, where he had a brief stint with the WNBA’s Chicago Sky.
AAP