Boomers stars help Opals Qualify for 2020 Tokyo Olympics

A tense win against Brazil in Bourges, France at the FIBA Olympic Qualifiers sealed qualification for the Australian Opals for the upcoming Tokyo Olympic Games this year.

To qualify the team had to finish top three in their pool, but the Opals were left to do it the hard way after they were beaten by hosts France in their opening game (72-63).

The Green and Gold rallied with back-to-back wins against Puerto Rico (100-74) and Brazil (86-72) to secure their spot in Tokyo, a moment to savour late on an emotional Sunday night in France.   

The club is thrilled for our two stars Cayla George and Ezi Magbegor, who did the Boomers proud with their performances.

Magbegor scored an impressive 15 points, four rebounds and three assists against Puerto Rico and seven rebounds and six points against Brazil. George also put in some strong performances making six points, three blocks and four rebounds against France and 11 points, eight rebounds and four assists against Puerto Rico.

Magbegor stated at the beginning of the season how Tokyo is a goal of hers, and now the dream will become a reality for the young star.

George who is no stranger to representing the Green and Gold on the World stage will also be ecstatic to be playing in her second Olympics, having competed with the Opals in 2016 at the Rio Olympics. She also helped Australia win silver at the FIBA World Cup in Spain in 2018.

George and Magbegor land back in Australia on Wednesday morning and will be straight into preparations for our crucial clash with the Canberra Capitals this Sunday.