After a successful campaign, the Opals, Australia’s Women’s National Basketball Team, recently made history by winning the Asia Cup. This victory is their first championship ever in this lakeside international tournament. The team defeated Japan 88-79 in a thrilling final held in Shenzhen, China, marking a significant achievement for Australian women’s basketball. This win was a true statement of their dominance in this tournament. It ensures their place at next year’s World Cup in Germany!
The Opals were brilliant all tournament, going a perfect five-0. They punched their ticket to the final with an impressive 86-73 win over Korea in their semifinal. Today they’re in position for a hard-fought championship face-off with Japan. In the championship game, Australia never trailed at any quarter-time break, a testament to their dominance and poise on the biggest stage.
Key Performers Shine
Alex Fowler emerged as Australia’s top scorer with 15 points, contributing significantly to the team’s success. Next in line were Alex Wilson and Stephanie Reid, with 14 and 13 points, respectively. Unsurprisingly, their year-in-and-year-out exemplary work was recognized with accolades. They each made the tournament’s All-Star Five, as well.
The All-Star Five featured Japan’s Kokoro Tanaka, who led her team with an impressive 21 points, along with Korea’s Park Ji Hyun and China’s Han Xu. Yuki Miyazawa added 18 points for Japan. All of Alex Wilson’s superb play during the tournament added up to her being named the Players’ Most Valuable Player, a title she surely coveted.
“Our pace, our execution I think was one of our better games of the tournament defensively, and you could just see by everybody coming and contributing,” – Coach Paul Goriss
Celebrating a Team Effort
Fowler expressed her pride in being part of the team and highlighted the joy of representing Australia on such a prestigious stage.
“It’s so fun to be out on the stage and in front of a crowd wearing the Australian jersey,” – Alex Fowler
She further emphasized the camaraderie within the team, stating, “I think we had an amazing group of girls come together, and I couldn’t be more prouder of the group and the coaching staff. It’s been so much fun this whole tournament.”
Coach Paul Goriss echoed Fowler’s sentiments after the victory, expressing his happiness and pride in the team’s efforts throughout the tournament.
“So [I’m] really happy and proud of the team for their efforts for this whole week,” – Coach Paul Goriss
Looking Ahead
After accomplishing a historic victory, the Opals now look to focus on what lies ahead. They are preparing to host next year’s World Cup in Germany! The team’s performance throughout the Asia Cup has not only solidified their status in women’s basketball but laid a strong foundation for upcoming international competitions. It has been their teamwork and resilience building that has become the key difference in accomplishing this unthinkable triumph, inspiring many generations of Australian athletes yet to come.