Opals reignite last four tradition

ISTANBUL (FIBA World Championship for Women) - After missing out four years ago, Australia re-ignited their tradition of reaching the Semi-Finals of the FIBA World Championship for Women with a 63-52 Quarter-Final success against Canada.

Claiming their fifth Semi-Final appearance in six editions of the event, a relieved Marianna Tolo was particularly happy to have made amends for 2010.

"I was part of the last tournament and it was absolutely devastating not to get to the Semi-Finals," she declared.

"It's a feeling of relief and excitement for us to now look forward to playing USA or France and we’re also really happy with the way we played after a slow start."

Canada had indeed started the game at Fenerbahce Arena exactly where they left off in Ankara, with a bright and breezy display.

But having been on the front foot, Australia turned the defensive screw during the second quarter and held Canada to just seven points.

"We knew it was going to be a tough game after playing them in preparation," added Tolo.

"It was important that after our improved second quarter defensive work, we did a good job in the third quarter at both ends of the floor and that is exactly what happened."

With the Opals cranking up the defense ahead of half-time, their offensive production was also given a boost by Leilani Mitchell coming off the bench to score a flawless 10 points.

This catapulted Australia into the ascendency at 36-24 heading to the locker rooms and when the action resumed, it looked even more bleak for Canada at 41-25.

While successive triples from Michelle Plouffe gave them a much needed lifeline, Australia quickly re-asserted full control as Cayla Francis scored from long-range to make it 51-33.

Canada tried their utmost to launch a comeback, but it was to be in vain and head coach Lisa Thomaidis was keen to look at the positives afterwards.

"Our best is yet to come, even though it does hurt," she said.

"Our growth is encouraging and we are on a sharper trajectory than we thought - something which is a real credit this group who have worked hard and really bought into our philosophy and vision."