In one of the most exciting games of the tournament so far, the Australian Opals prevailed against a very strong Serbia team who kept fighting until the end.
The first half was dominated by extreme defensive pressure on the Serbians, led by the determined Sami Whitcomb and Steph Talbot.
Talbot, alongside veteran Lauren Jackson, led the Australians offensively in the first half allowing the Opals to take an eight-point lead into half-time.
Veteran experience was key for the Opals as each time the Serbian team tried to make a comeback, an important shot was made by Rebecca Allen, Sami Whitcomb or Mariana Tolo who each scored at least 10 points.
Allen topped Australian scoring with 16 points at a 22-efficiency rating while also contributing with five rebounds. Allen showed remarkable resilience, getting back into the game after an ankle injury. Allen left the court late in the fourth quarter with a lower back injury.
The Opals move on to a record of two wins and one loss heading into the later end of the group stages and they'll be looking towards a top 2 finish in group B.
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