The WNBL’s finest are leading the way for the Jayco Opals on their tour of Europe in the build-up to The Farewell Series: Basketball’s Road to London.
Three games into the five-game series the Jayco Opals have a 2-1 record, highlighted by a brilliant 67-48 win over 2010 World Championship nemesis, Czech Republic.
It was Adelaide Lightning star Suzy Batkovic leading the charge, with an impressive stats sheet of 12 points, 7 rebounds, 2 blocks and 2 steals in the victory.
The reigning WNBL MVP wasn’t without support from her WNBL counterparts as Dandenong Rangers star Jenna O’Hea (5 steals), Bulleen Boomers point guard Sam Richards (3-of-6 from the field and 3 steals) and Sydney Uni Flames sharp-shooter Belinda Snell (8 points on 2-of-4 from three-point range and 4 rebounds) all contributed to the redeeming win.
Despite the 85-76 loss at the hands of Hungary Jayco Opals fans will be excited by the prospect of seeing Bulleen Boomers star and 2011 WNBL MVP Liz Cambage in
The Farewell Series after scoring a tour-high 25 points on the back of 11-of-13 shooting.
Cambage played limited minutes in the win over the Czech Republic, but was again influential in the opening game, scoring 16 points and grabbing 7 rebounds in the 57-49 win over Turkey.
Fellow big Lauren Jackson gave Canberra Capitals fans a taste of what to expect in the coming WNBL season, top-scoring with 14 points in the win over the Czech Republic.
Veterans Kristi Harrower (Bendigo Spirit) and Jenni Screen (Adelaide Lightning) added presence on the glass and leadership qualities, with Harrower sitting out the Hungary loss.
Dandenong Rangers WNBL Grand Final MVP Kath MacLeod and Bulleen young gun Rachel Jarry were impressive in limited court time.
Check out the full box scores from each of the Jayco Opals fixtures below:
Jayco Australian Opals 57-49 Turkey
Hungary 85-76 Jayco Australian Opals
Jayco Australian Opals 67-48 Czech Republic
CLICK HERE for Farewell Series: Basketball's Road to London tickets.
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