Opals outlast Türkiye to maintain perfect World Cup record

Ezi Magbegor scored 21 points as Australia reached the final phase of the Women's Basketball World Cup with a physical 87-71 win over Turkey.

Turkey, led by Sevgi Uzun with 24 points, was down 8-0 early but fought back after a timeout to lead 15-14.

That was brief, however, as the Opals rallied to end the first quarter 21-15 up and they did not relinquish the lead for the rest of Sunday's game.

Turkey's Goksen Fitik went off with what appeared to be a right ankle injury in the third quarter but returned in the fourth.

Steph Talbot contributed 17 points, along with five rebounds and five assists, while Alex Fowler had 10 points and four boards.

The Australian team features seven World Cup debutants. Team captain Sami Whitcomb of the WNBA's Phoenix Mercury had to withdraw before the tournament with a lingering knee injury.

Australia next plays European champion Belgium on Monday in a showdown that will likely decide which side progresses directly to the quarter-finals as group winner.

After two wins, Australia is already assured at least a playoff place in the final phase of the competition.

Belgium were set to face Puerto Rico in their second group game later on Sunday.

The United States were drawn to play Italy, with Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese and Paige Bueckers bidding to stretch the Americans' winning run to 32 games. The US hasn't lost a game at the World Cup since the semi-final of the 2006 tournament.

Also, China with 7-foot-3 Zhang Ziyu was playing the Czech Republic with both teams looking for their first wins.

Read more >> Australian Opals World Cup Preview: How to watch, squads & more