In a comprehensive 22-point victory on Sunday, the Australia Opals claimed their second international bronze in two years after dramatic roster turnover from the world cup to this Asia Cup.
With 19 points from all-star five selection Alice Kunek and an additional 11 off the bench from Anneli Maley, the Opals managed bronze over a competitive Tall Ferns team featuring the Leger-Walker sisters and Penina Davidson.
Penina Davidson shuts the door on Park Jisu! β#AsiaCupWomen | @TallFerns pic.twitter.com/2meFKQer62
β FIBA Women's Asia Cup (@fibasiacupwomen) June 26, 2023
The Story of the Tournament
In a short but sweet group state of the Division A tournament, the Opals managed an astounding 71-point win over the Philippines with Darcee Garbin leading the way in scoring with 18 points.
Fundamentals on point for Darcee Garbin, always. βοΈ#AsiaCupWomen pic.twitter.com/4PFguXAmMs
β FIBA Women's Asia Cup (@fibasiacupwomen) June 26, 2023
This was followed by a 46-point victory the following day over Chinese Taipei, with Anneli Maley pulling down an impressive 15 rebounds from the Small Forward position.
@annelimaley doesnβt look like your typical rebounder. When she steps on court, her heart for the game takes control. It definitely showed in the FIBA Asia Cup.#WNBL #Fibawomensbasketball #fiba #FIBAwomensasiacup #bballontwitter#WNBA #WNBABasketball pic.twitter.com/PooorIqrlX
β BNA π¦πΊ (@AusBballnews) July 3, 2023
Then on the third day, the Opals were dealt their first loss of the tournament, suffering a 25-point loss to reigning champions Japan. Mai Yamamoto starred with 19 points and five assists in an impressive performance from the eventual silver medallists.
Mai Yamamoto. Zero hesitation. π#AsiaCupWomen pic.twitter.com/2mmion4qWh
β FIBA Women's Asia Cup (@fibasiacupwomen) June 28, 2023
The performance however was enough to secure Australia a spot in the semi-finals, taking on World Cup silver medallists China. In a 14-point loss, a 16-point effort from Alice Kunek was not enough to stop superstar and tournament MVP Han Xu. The centre managed a 17-point and 15-rebound double-double as China marched to their first Asia Cup victory since 2011, ending a 5-time winning streak by Japan.
TISSOT MVP Han Xu came up big when it mattered the most, towing China π¨π³ past Japan and back to the top of the #AsiaCupWomen hierarchy! π
β FIBA Women's Asia Cup (@fibasiacupwomen) July 2, 2023
π 26 pts | 10 rebs | 2 blks | 2 3s | 30 EFF pic.twitter.com/avIlNQUq4O
However, despite suffering two straight losses, the resilient Opals won bronze on the back of another impressive Alice Kunek performance.
Alice Kunek, certified tough shot-maker π―#AsiaCupWomen | @BasketballAus pic.twitter.com/HEvRrevk4A
β FIBA Women's Asia Cup (@fibasiacupwomen) July 2, 2023
While it may seem a little disappointing that Australia fell short of the gold-medal match. They can take solace in the fact that they only lost to the eventual champions and the 5-time reigning champions. With only 3 of the 12 players in the squad remaining from their massive World Cup run, the Opals showed the quality of depth they have in their team and that they will continue to be a force to be reckoned with for years to come.