Opals claim Game 1 against China

The Australian Opals have claimed a clutch win over the Chinese National Team, 76-74, with Tasmania Jewels marquee player Steph Reid leading the charge.

In front of her friends and family from Frankston for the first of a two-game series in preparation for the World Cup, the 5’6” superstar scored a team-high 16 points with five assists to cement herself as a key candidate for September’s tournament in Berlin.

With 6,000 fans in attendance on a Tuesday night, both Australian and Chinese fans filled John Cain Arena, rewarded with a memorable spectacle.

Fans of both sides were in awe of 7’3” teenager Ziyu Zhang. Scoring a game-high 28 points (11/12 from the field) with 11 rebounds and four blocks, her unprecedented size and skill around the basket caused the Opals headaches all game.

Darcee Garbin and Zitina Aokuso held strong though, forcing turnovers and using the fast break to their advantage, outscoring China 9-4 in those opportunities.

For China, Southside Melbourne Flyers recruit Siyu ‘Rainy’ Wang impressed, scoring 16 points off the bench in a teaser of what’s to come in WNBL27.

Taking a significant 13-point lead in the third quarter, the Opals almost lost the clash due to their icy three-point shooting – missing six in the final quarter and going 2/20 across the game.

The Opals will face China one more time this week on Thursday, July 9 from 5:30pm AEDT, live and free on 9Go! And 9Now.

>>> Box Score

Australia: 76
China: 74

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