SHENZHEN (China) - Australia continued their onslaught in the FIBA Women's Asia Cup 2025 following another dominant win this time against Lebanon, 113-34, on Monday evening at the Shenzhen Sports Center.
Sustaining momentum from their big win against the Philippines some 24 hours ago, the Opals went on a blistering 17-0 scoring tear for a 19-2 start into the match and that's all they needed to take control for good.
The charges of Coach Paul Goriss would then cruise to their second win in as many outings, breaking a tie with Japan to take the provisional lead in Group B - and move a win away from sweeping the pool.
But interestingly, it would be the 2023 runners-up which they would face next to wrap up their Group Phase campaign. The potential clash for the group's top seed is set tomorrow, July 15, set at 16:30 local time.
"I'm really pleased with our focus in both the last game and today's game. From a defensive standpoint, I think we're growing by leaps and bounds," said Goriss as they've held their foes to an average of 36.5 points.
Eight of the 11 players fielded finished in double figures, with Isabelle Bourne top-scoring with 15 points. Stephanie Reed and Abbey Ellis, meanwhile, produced 14 points apiece, with the former adding 7 assists to her tally.
Chloe Bibby notched another double-double with 12 points and 11 rebounds, with Courtney Woods chalking up all-around numbers as she laced her 11 points with 6 rebounds and 7 assists plus a pair of steals.
Alex Fowler did practically the same as she tallied 11 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists. Sarah Bilcavs scored 11 as well while Miela Goodchild chipped in 10 points in the win that saw the crew shoot 17 three-pointers.
Overall, Australia shot 55.5-percent from the floor, a shooting night so good big thanks to how they ensured everybody gets touches as seen by the 39 assists they dished - the most in this year's Division A tilt.
"What I'm most pleased about is us having 39 assists. And the rebounding count is something that we really wanted to focus on today," said Goriss as they dominated the rebounding battle, 60-23.
Nour Labban, on the other hand, was the lone bright spot for Lebanon with 11 points.
Now at 0-2, the Cedars are in a must-win situation against the Philippines on Wednesday, July 16, at 13:30 local time.
FIBA