Can Opals avoid Asia Cup embarrassment?

It’s a scenario the Opals discover themselves in after struggling a disappointing 91-66 loss to Japan of their last pool recreation.

The defeat means Australia completed second in group B behind Japan with two wins and one loss.

The Opals led early towards the Japanese earlier than the Asian powerhouse confirmed why they’re the reigning Asia Cup champions, rattling off 17-straight factors within the second time period with on-target taking pictures from deep.

Japan’s defence made it powerful for the Opals to get to the rim, whereas on the different finish they have been in a position to sink 17 triples for the sport.

There have been glimpses of brilliance from Maddy Rocci – topscoring with 12 factors and 5 assists, whereas Alice Kunek was subsequent greatest for the inexperienced and gold with 11 factors.

In the top, although, the Australians did not comprise Japan’s potent taking pictures from vary.

Opals captain Tess Madgen has urged her workforce to rediscover their defensive identification for Friday’s must-win recreation towards Korea.

“We pride ourselves on our culture so we will be digging deep, and staying together,” Madgen mentioned.

“It starts at the defensive end, and we let them (Japan) have too many open threes.

“I think we started the game really well, but we got a bit stunned from the second quarter and couldn’t really find our way back from that. We expected them to come out and pressure us, but we just didn’t do a good enough job.

“We will go back, look at the video and see what we can do better.

“I’m sure the coaches will put a great game plan to play against Korea.”

The Opals face Korea within the Qualifying Phase on Friday on the State Sports Centre at Olympic Park from 7.30pm (AEST).

Originally revealed as FIBA Women’s Asia Cup 2023: Can Australian Opals beat Korea and keep away from embarrassing exit?