Basketball On The Internet.

AUSTRALIA's Opals will have to take the long route to the FIBA Asia Cup medal round after unexpectedly dropping tonight's clash 69-70 to China in Bengaluru, India.

After opening with the type of customary confidence which should accompany routing China in a series of pre-tournament practice matches, the Opals' initial 10-2 start was trampled in an avalanche of wayward shooting, second-guessing and turnover horrors.

Even Australia's last play to steal the win ended in a turnover, Jenna O'Hea missing a quick chance for a drive to the basket which may have pinched it.

But in truth, China forced Australia off its game and its 25-15 second quarter completely changed the game's momentum after the Opals led 20-19 after one.

Trailing 67-68, Leilani Mitchell fashioned a terrific drive to the hoop to give the Opals the lead with 12.8 seconds left.

China's Ting Shao erased that within five seconds and the Opals' last play ended without a shot going up, China (below) delirious in its successful advance to the semi finals.

The Aussies shot at 40 percent, lost the boards 37-46 and committed 18 turnovers, their usual confident style thoroughly shaken by China's belief.

Katie Ebzery led Australia's scoring with 13 points but committed an uncharacteristic six turnovers, China handling everything the Opals threw at them and clearly ready for several of their plays, picking off passes.

Sara Blicavs gave Australia late life with a 3-pointer from the corner and a followup basket but China's resolve never waivered, unlike Australia's.

CHINA 70 (Wang 18, Li 14; Li 9 rebs; Wang 3 assts) d AUSTRALIA OPALS 69 (Ebzery 13, Mitchell 9, Magbegor, O'Hea, Allen 8; Mitchell, Magbegor, Garbin 5 rebs; O'Hea 6 assts).

OH HEY THERE: Jenna O'Hea had 8 points, 4 rebounds and 6 assists. Pics courtesy fiba.com