Big-time Borlase makes history with World Cup performance

Isobel Borlase has created history on Wednesday night for the Opals, entering the Top-10 for single-game scoring by an Australian at the FIBA World Cup with a sensational display against Italy. 

The reigning MVP led the way after Ezi Magbegor and Jade Melbourne’s nights ended early in the first, finishing with 30 points, 5 assists, and 4 rebounds as the Opals held on to a nail-biting two-point victory to book a place in the Quarter-Finals of the tournament. 

Borlase’s total joins a stacked list of famous Opals 30-plus point displays from three former stars across nearly 50 years of World Cup action:

Greatest Opals scoring performances in FIBA World Cup history: ‍

Jean Forster, 34 points, 1967 vs Brazil
Liz Cambage, 34 points, 2018 vs Nigeria
Lauren Jackson, 33 points, 2002 vs France
Liz Cambage, 33 points, 2018 vs Spain
Jean Forster, 32 points, 1967 vs Yugoslavia
Lauren Jackson, 31 points, 2002 vs Korea
Lauren Jackson, 31 points, 2006 vs Senegal
Lauren Jackson, 30 points, 2006 vs Argentina
Lauren Jackson, 30 points, 2022 vs Canada
Isobel Borlase, 30 points, 2026 vs Italy
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The performance also puts Borlase at the top of the list for most points scored in the 2026 edition of the tournament so far, and the most points scored by a player off the bench.

The Opals will now face Spain in a Quarter-Final on Friday at 4:45am AEST, live on ESPN via Disney+ and Kayo Sports.