Locked in: Opals advance with stirring win against Canada

Down a star player in Bec Allen while facing an undefeated Canadian team, the Opals hung on for a classic 75-72 victory.

All images credit: FIBA

It was Sunday night. During one particularly physical play, Bec Allen took a hard hit and went down, after what had been a masterful performance against Serbia. Basketball Australia confirmed the following day that there was no apparent structural damage. Allen —who had been one of the key scorers on the team— would have been a significant factor against Canada.

The Opals needed a win, and they got it done the right way, and in doing so booked a spot in the quarterfinals.

Led by an assertive Ezi Magbegor (16 points), stellar play from clutch human Steph Talbot (eight points in the fourth quarter) and trademark tough shot making from Sami Whitcomb (15 points), the home team rode out some hot stretches from Canada to secure a crucial win.

After being benched earlier in the tournament, Magbegor’s resurgence was huge on both ends.

She produced a pivotal block on Shay Colley as Australia clung to a 71-69 lead in the final two minutes, and another even more crucial rejection of Natalie Achonwa in the final minute. She ended with five blocks for the night (highlights) and was heavily influential in a seesawing contest that persisted into the closing minutes.

“We needed everything we got from Ezi tonight,” Opals coach Sandy Brondello told The Pick and Roll after the game. “She’s been in cruise mode a bit. I needed her to be confident and aggressive, and she was. That’s when Ezi is at her best.”

Forward Sara Blicavs was thrilled for Magbegor’s breakout game. “Ezi was sensational!” she told The Pick and Roll. “I’m so rapt for her; she needed this kind of game. It will give her so much confidence going into the next games.”

Blicavs was elevated into the starting lineup in place of the sorely missed Bec Allen, and was ecstatic about the team’s spirited performance. “There was unreal energy from all of us. I feel for Bec and want her to come back, but I was ready to take that spot. My role was to provide defence, energy and rebounds, and I’d like to think I brought that. I’m super rapt we won.”

Heroics from Magbegor and Talbot may capture the headlines from this game, but it was a true team effort with lots of contributors.