18/08/2004
Day 3 Women: AUS 97 - JPN 78

 The Opals too tall for Japan

Actually, the silver medallist in 2000 Sydney Games, were too tall for Japan, whose tallest player is Natsumi YABUUCHI (1.84 m.).
The Opals used their inside strength to dominate under the boards (53-17) and finally eliminate Japan, that suffered its second loss in three games.

JACKSON scored 31 points (plus 9 rebounds and 4 blocks) in 21 minutes, while Trish FALLON (AUS) added 12 points for the Oceania Champs.

Laura SUMMERTON (AUS) offered great help scoring all her 11 points during the third period, while WNBA guard Penny TAYLOR (AUS) and centre Suzy BATKOVIC (AUS) scored 11 points a-piece.

BATKOVIC (AUS) grabbed eight rebounds too.

Japan has something to remember from this game too. They managed to outscore the Opals in the fourth quarter with a 33-15 run. Yuko OGA led Japan with 21 points, while Masami TACHIKAWA and Mari KONNO added 16 and 11 points respectively.

Flash quotes:

Laura SUMMERTON (AUS), Forward
 
On the game:
"It was a good practice for the following games. Despite the fact that we haven’t done our best during 40 minutes, I am happy because all players had the chance to play and gain their confidence. This victory is sending us to the quarterfinals, so we succeed in our initial goal. The favorites from our pool, except from my team, are Brazil, Greece and Russia."
 
Noriko HAMAGUCHI (JPN), Centre
 
On the game:
"My team tried to concentrate in defense, but we didn’t managed to block Australians. They are very tall, fast and they have good technique. They are unstoppable. Now, we have to face Russia, which is not so tough opponent as Australia."

Game card...