Basketball On The Internet.

STEPH Reid's 12-point, three-assist first quarter tonight in Melbourne put Australia on the road to a Game 1 win over China in the first of the Opals' two-match exhibition series against their 2022 FIBA World Cup semi final conqueror, Reid returning late to salvage a 76-74 victory. 

Australia appeared in control early before a last-basket 3-ball by Siyu Wang meant China led 21-18 at the first break.

Despite 220cm, 19-year-old Chinese centre Ziyu Zhang scoring 17 points in the first half and 28 for the game on 11-of-12 shooting, the Opals defence hustled and harassed her and her back up, Yutong Liu.

With Isabelle Bourne swishing two threes and a sweet reverse for an 8-point second quarter, the Opals were out 46-42 at halftime.

Zitina Aokuso and Darcee Garbin tag-teamed China's genuine "bigs" and Maddi Rocci pestered their backcourt, Alex Fowler also a huge factor in a withering 15-6 third period.

China's six points were all hard won, the visitors on their way to compiling 22 turnovers as the Opals built a match-winning lead.

Rocci singlehandedly created an 8-second backcourt violation as Australia appeared in complete control.

But with Alex Wilson (5 points, 1-of-7 shooting, 0-of-5 threes) and Amy Atwell (0 points, 0-of-6 including 0-of-5 threes) struggling offensively, China mounted an attack through Zhang and Wang.

It almost ended with a bang as China steadily reduced a 15-point deficit back to a shot before stand-in Opals coach Paul Gorris sent Reid back into the fray to steady the ship and guide it safely into harbour.

Rookies Sitaya Fagan and Bonnie Deas made the most of their court-time, reinforcing a sustained bright future for the Opals. 

AUSTRALIA OPALS 76 (Reid 16, Aokuso 15, Fowler, Bourne 12; Aokuso 6 rebs; Reid, Wilson 5 assts) d CHINA 74 (Zhang 28, Wang 16, Luo 8; Zhang 11 rebs; Wang 5 assts) at John Cain Arena. Crowd: 6,018