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10 - 13
February 2022
6 Sasa Cado (SRB)
10/02/2022
Review
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New-look Serbia get it done with defense, Opals outclass Brazil in Belgrade Group A

BELGRADE (Serbia) - A last-gasp block by Sasa Cado allowed hosts Serbia to breathe a huge sigh of relief as they got rolling with a nerve-shredding win at the FIBA Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament.

The final play of the game ended a roller-coaster ride that left fans on the edge of their seats, having watched their favorites squander a 13-point lead, their leader Tina Krajisnik foul out and then look like their team might snatch defeat from the jaws of victory.

But defense was King - or maybe that should be Queen, as Serbia squeezed out a precious 65-62 win. It wasn't only the decisive late intervention of Cado though, there were 4 blocks from Dragana Stankovic who played one of her best games in a national team jersey.

While the numbers weren't huge with 10 points and 10 rebounds to go with those swatted shots, it was a vital double-double in a real dogfight that was only ever about the outcome.

 

Even if a late injury scare might have spoiled the night  for Stankovic slightly, this was a massive game for the new look Serbia to win - not least because they had trailed with 40 seconds remaining. 

Korea will be thinking about the one that got away. They had Serbia on the hook, but failed to be clinical in crunch time and for much of the game inside the paint. Despite the missed layups, Korea will head into Saturday's contest with Brazil confident of bouncing back.

Shining Opals

Earlier in the day, Australia showed their promise for Sydney later this year with a team performance that bodes well for the rest of the tournament and beyond.

Leading from tip to buzzer, they claimed a 65-52 win against Brazil, which was much more convincing than the scoreline suggests. While there were things to be fixed such as too many turnovers and missing 23 of their sky-high 29 attempts from the perimeter, it was mostly positive for the Opals.

Head coach Sandy Brondello witnessed her team trying to move the ball quickly and best of all, some tireless work at the defensive end,

 

It was led by Bec Allen who had a super 6 steals to go with 16 points, while Marianna Tolo had 4 blocks to go with her 12 points. 

Meanwhile Brazil labored throughout, with 24 turnovers and a nervous start taking a toll. Although they did at least salvage some pride and confidence ahead of meeting Korea on Saturday with an improved second-half effort -  even if Mariane De Carvalho was the only player to make it to double-figures with 13 points.

FIBA