Opals get home against Brazil

Updated July 22, 2012 09:13:24

The Australian women's basketball team survived a scare against Brazil before running out 78-75 winners in their pre-Olympics tournament in France.

The Opals had led by nine points at half-time, however the Brazilians fought back to carry a 57-56 advantage into the final term.

But the three-time Olympic silver medallists found enough to secure the victory with Belinda Snell again impressing with a 28-point haul.

The Opals remain undefeated in their pre-Olympic fixtures in Europe, having also beaten France, Great Britain, Angola and China.

They next meet France on Monday (AEST).

Tags: olympics-summer, sport, basketball, france

First posted July 22, 2012 09:10:22

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Boomers lose to Brazil

Updated July 23, 2012 13:32:35

The Boomers were beaten 87-71 by Olympic opponents Brazil in a warm-up tournament in Strasbourg this morning.

Brazil's NBA stars Nene (12 points, 11 rebounds) and Tiago Splitter (15 points) were the standouts in the 16-point win.

For Australia David Andersen top-scored with 16 points while Patty Mills contributed with 14 points.

Boomers coach Brett Brown was left wondering how to beat the Brazilians who will be Australia's first opponents in the Olympic tournament next Sunday.

Australia (ninth) are ranked ahead of Brazil (13th) on world rankings but Brown concedes the Brazilians will be hard to beat in London.

"I think you leave (tonight) with the realisation that they're (Brazil) an excellent team," Brown said.

"Their four NBA players were very good. I thought they were very physical and it was a good indication of what to expect in our opening game with them in London.

"You leave learning a lot more about what it's going to take to beat them."

The Boomers continue their preparation with a match against France on Tuesday morning.

Tags: sport, basketball, olympics-summer, france

First posted July 23, 2012 13:32:35

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Opals cruise to comfortable win over Brazil

Updated June 27, 2012 08:38:58

Lauren Jackson returned from a hamstring injury to help fire the Opals to a comfortable 80-73 Farewell Series win over Brazil at a sold-out Bendigo Stadium on Tuesday night.

Jackson missed game one of the series but returned as equal top scorer with 15 points alongside Belinda Snell, despite spending just 17 minutes on court.

The 1.96-metre star also pulled down six rebounds as the Opals physically dominated their outmatched opponents before relaxing in the final period.

Australia led by as many as 24 points before being pegged back by a dogged fourth-quarter performance from Brazil, with the two sides paired in the same group at the London Olympics.

Damiris do Amaral top scored with 16 points for the visitors, while Karla Costa chimed in with 14 points.

The match marked a successful hometown farewell for Bendigo-born veteran Kristi Harrower, who celebrated her 200th game in Australian colours.

A teary-eyed Harrower paid tribute to the capacity crowd after the match.

"It was great to come home ... I'm lost for words," Harrower said.

The Opals downed Brazil 85-64 in game one of the three-game series.

The final game will take place at the State Basketball Centre in Knox on Thursday night.

The final game of the Farewell Series will be streamed live on the ABC Grandstand website from 7pm.

Tags: sport, olympics-summer, basketball, bendigo-3550, vic, australia

First posted June 26, 2012 21:12:35

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Opals shine in win over Brazil

Updated June 25, 2012 13:47:36

The Opals continued their build-up for the London Olympics with a 85-64 victory over Brazil in the opening game of the Farewell Series at Melbourne Park on Sunday.

Meanwhile, the Boomers made it two from two for the host nation with an 87-60 victory over Greece, who they meet again in Knox on Monday.

The Opals, who were missing Lauren Jackson because of a hamstring injury, trailed the Brazilians by six points at half-time, but a strong third quarter from the hosts saw them lead by 14 points at the final change.

They iced the victory in the final term with Liz Cambage finishing with 18 points and Abby Bishop contributing a 17-point haul.

Iziane Marques was a shining light for Brazil, posting a game-high 26 points.

The Opals and Brazil meet again in Bendigo on Tuesday.

Patty Mills led the scoring for the Boomers with 21 points, ably supported by giant duo Aleks Maric and Aron Baynes who combined for 33 points.

The next match between the Opals and Brazil tips off at 7pm, Tuesday.

Watch the live ABC stream

Tags: basketball, sport, melbourne-3000

First posted June 24, 2012 21:31:24

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