Flames pair’s Opals smash Germany to punch Olympics ticket
The Australian Opals, featuring Sydney Flames’ Tess Madgen and Cayla George, 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 Australian 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.
Every Aussie made an impact, but it was Tess Madgen who claimed TCL Player of the Game honors for the Opals 🌟#FIBAOQT | #InspireGreatness pic.twitter.com/adiYrHJgqc
— FIBA (@FIBA) February 10, 2024
Lauren Jackson added 10 points with Alanna Smith (eight points and eight rebounds) and George (seven points, four boards and one dime) making an impact at both ends of the floor.
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.