Madgen active in Opals win
JCU Townsville Fire recruit Tess Madgen has played a key role in guiding Australia to a 77-70 victory over Latvia last night.
Having suffered an opening night loss to France in the World Cup pre-tournament, the Chemist Warehouse Opals bounced back with a seven-point win as Madgen proved active at both ends of the floor.
The Fire recruit chalked up six points, three assists, two rebounds and a steal in 15 minutes.
A victory for the Chemist Warehouse Opals overnight against Latvia with Australia prevailing 77-70. Tess Madgen posted 6 points, 3 assists, 2 rebounds & a steal! #GoOpals #FireUpTownsville pic.twitter.com/7y5n8XIxNG
— Townsville Fire (@TownsvilleFire) September 9, 2018
The Opals overcome a three-quarter-time deficit to defeat the Latvians in France without the services of Liz Cambage or Sami Whitcomb, who has been drafted into the squad following the withdrawal of Leilani Mitchell.
Three-time Fire championship winner Cayla George finished with nine points and 11 rebounds, while Sydney Uni Flames centre Alex Bunton top-scored with 15 points and 14 rebounds.
The Opals are expected to placy one more warm-up game before facing Nigeria in their first game of the World Cup in Spain.
If they finish on top of Group B, Australia will automatically advance to the quarter-finals but a second or third-placed finish will see them placed into a qualification game.
https://twitter.com/MicheleMenso/status/1038348686177316864
The Opals claimed bronze medals in 1998, 2002 and 2014, as well as a gold medal in 2006 and will be aiming to replicate that success this year.
“Our focus will be making sure we are ready to play at our best each and every game,” Brondello said.
“If we can focus on the process, the result of winning a medal, which is what we expect of ourselves, will happen.”
Fox Sports Australia announced a landmark broadcast deal last year that included exclusive rights to the FIBA Women’s World Cup which means every Opals game will be shown live.
Click here to see box scores from Australia versus Latvia.
World Cup schedule (all times AEST):
September 22: Australia v Nigeria at 8.30pm
September 23: Australia v Argentina at 8.00pm
September 25: Australia v Turkey at 8.30pm
September 26: Quarter-Final qualifications
September 28: Quarter-Finals
September 29: Semi-Finals
September 30: Medal Games
Chemist Warehouse Australian Opals:
Bec Allen, Alex Bunton, Liz Cambage, Katie-Rae Ebzery, Cayla George, Tess Madgen, Ezi Magbegor, Lauren Mansfield, Jenna O’Hea, Alanna Smith, Steph Talbot and Sami Whitcomb.