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OPALS Olympic debutante, Canberra Capitals WNBL star and burgeoning WNBA talent at Washington Mystics, Jade Melbourne overnight paced the Opals with a game-high 23 points in a 74-77 loss to medal contender Canada in Segovia, the Maple Leafs' nemesis Lauren Jackson not suiting for the match.

Considering Canada, along with France and Nigeria are in Australia's pool at the Olympic Games, reading strategies into the result is futile as the contest was more a chance for the teams to find their sync.

Steph Talbot, All Star Five at the 2022 FIBA World Cup where Jackson scored 30 as the Opals beat Canada for bronze, also did not suit, nor did Isobel Borlase.

Our athletic WNBA "bigs" Alanna Smith and Ezi Magbegor again were to the fore, Smith with 12 points on 5-of-6 shooting, with two blocks, Magbegor funnelling nine points at 57 per cent, with five boards.

Coach Sandy Brondello was able to run captain Tess Madgen for 27 minutes, scores tied at 60-60 before Marianna Tolo gave Australia the 62-60 lead with 7:14 to play.

But it was the Opals' last lead, Canada recovering it on a Bridget Carleton bucket, then extending it via Kia Nurse, Australia several times drawing back to within one but unable to poke its nose ahead.

CANADA 77 (Alexander 21, Achonwa 15, Carleton 10; 5 with 6 rebs; Colley 5 assts) d AUSTRALIA OPALS 74 (Melbourne 23, Smith 12, Magbegor, Whitcomb 9; Magbegor, Melbourne 5 rebs; Melbourne, George 4 assts) in Segovia.