Opals Olympic quest starts with Chinese Taipei
Australia open the FIBA Women's Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament against Chinese Taipei on Thursday, 14 November 2019, tipping off at 8:00pm AEST.
The Opals will be seeking to lock in a berth at one of the Olympic Qualifier events in February 2020 by finishing in the top two in the group.
Every game of the event will be streamed live online by FIBA's Facebook and YouTube channels, with the Opals three games also set to feature on The Pick and Roll's Facebook page.
As one of the eight Asia-Oceania region teams that will take to the court in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia this week, Australia have been pooled with 2019 FIBA Asia Cup champions Japan who are also Olympic Host nation, Chinese Taipei and India in Group B which will be played in Malaysia. New Zealand, who are also taking part will host Group A which features Asia Cup silver medalists China, along with fourth placed Korea and the Philippines.
Australia claimed bronze at the FIBA Asia Cup after losses to China and then Japan, with all eight nations that competed in Bengaluru, India will take to the court again in November to finalise which four teams will advance to one of four global Olympic Qualifying Tournaments in February 2020.
Australia has a terrific recent history against Chinese Taipei, while India has only recently been promoted from FIBA Asia Division B and should pose no trouble. The final game of the group will be the Opals toughest against Japan, reigniting a growing rivalry with their Asian rivals.
Sandy Brondello has brought in all her stars for the event as she leaves no stone unturned in locking in a berth at one of the Olympic Qualifying Tournaments next year. She has added more size and speed, with Liz Cambage and Marianna Tolo set to tower over their Asian rivals, while Tess Lavey's inclusions adds lateral speed in the backcourt.
Catch every game live via The Pick and Roll's Facebook page.
Australian Opals Squad
Rebecca ALLEN | Arka Gdynia (Poland) / New York Liberty (WNBA)
Elizabeth CAMBAGE | Las Vegas Aces (WNBA)
Katie-Rae EBZERY | Perth Lynx
Darcee GARBIN | JCU Townsville Fire
Cayla GEORGE | Deakin University Melbourne Boomers
Tess LAVEY | Bendigo Spirit
Tess MADGEN | JCU Townsville Fire
Ezi MAGBEGOR | Deakin University Melbourne Boomers
Leilani MITCHELL | Southside Flyers
Jenna O’HEA | Southside Flyers
Steph TALBOT | Minnesota Lynx (WNBA) / Adelaide Lightning
Marianna TOLO | University of Canberra Capitals
Opals Schedule
14 November: Australia vs Chinese Taipei | 8:00pm AEST
16 November: Australia vs India | 8:00pm AEST
17 November: Australia vs Japan | 9:00pm AEST