AUS/RUS – Opals clinch third straight friendly success against Russia
BRUNICO (Olympics) – Australia completed a three-game sweep of their friendly series against Russia with a 98-56 victory in Italy. In a battle of countries that will play at the Beijing Games, Jan Stirling’s Australians broke open a close game in the second quarter when they outscored their opponents 29-6 en route to a commanding 54-27 ...
BRUNICO (Olympics) – Australia completed a three-game sweep of their friendly series against Russia with a 98-56 victory in Italy.
In a battle of countries that will play at the Beijing Games, Jan Stirling’s Australians broke open a close game in the second quarter when they outscored their opponents 29-6 en route to a commanding 54-27 advantage.
Australia center Suzy Batkovic led the way with 18 points, which included a perfect two of two from behind the arc.
The veteran looks to have fully recovered from a dislocated thumb injury she suffered while playing for the Opals at the 2008 Beijing Basketball Test Event in April.
Emma Randall finished with 17 points and Hollie Grima 15 while Opals superstar Kristi Harrower had eight assists and six rebounds to go with her seven points in just 18 minutes.
Australia out-rebounded Russia 38-22 and they also drilled eight of 17 from long range compared to just two of 10 for the losers.
Neither side is at full strength at this stage of the preparations.
FIBA