Opals make winning start to World Cup campaign
Chasing another podium finish at the World Cup, the Opals complete an entertaining 70-54 win over Puerto Rico in Berlin.
Australia's women's basketball team, known as the Opals, launched their World Cup campaign with a dominant 70-54 victory over Puerto Rico in Berlin. Star player Steph Talbot shone, scoring 19 points, eight rebounds, and three assists to be named player of the game. The Opals, currently ranked third in the world, finished their preliminary match with a commanding lead, despite facing strong resistance from Puerto Rico.
Other standout performers included Ezi Magbegor with 11 points and nine rebounds, Alanna Smith with 10 points and eight rebounds, and Jade Melbourne chipping in with 10 points. However, Alanna Smith had to leave the court due to a lower left-leg injury that appeared to be concerning. Puerto Rico, ranked 16th, led the scoring with 14 points from Arella Guirantes, 11 points from Trinity San Antonio and Imani McGee-Stafford, and six points each from Zitina Aokuso and Isobel Borlaise.
The Opals, unbeaten in qualifying and 2025 Asia Cup champions, will next take on Türkiye and then Belgium.
Written by urgent.news from ABC News AU's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
This story
This is one outlet's version. Read the fullest account.
