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THE Sapphires – Australia’s Jayco-sponsored Under-17 girls at the FIBA U17 World Championship – have made it a 2-0 tournament start after last night adding Slovakia’s scalp to Japan’s.

Chris Lucas’ team opened in the Czech Republic with a 54-46 win over Japan in which Georgia Pineau starred with 23 points on 10-of-12 shooting and 13 boards.

Pineau, daughter of former Devonport and Melbourne Tigers centre Brad Pineau, received solid support from Tahlia Tupaea who delivered 10 points, six assists and two steals.

An 18-10 last quarter against Slovakia gave Australia its 58-51 victory after trailing 40-41 with a period to play.

Anneli Maley hauled in a whopping 20 rebounds to go with her 12 points at 63 per cent, while Jasmine Forcadilla led Australia’s scoring with 17.

Tupaea added 11 points and Pineau 10.

Maley is the daughter of former Westside Melbourne Saints, North Melbourne Giants, Victoria Titans and Adelaide 36ers forward Paul Maley.

The girls now have a day off before facing Mexico and should feel relatively confident of winning the group considering Slovia beat the Mexicans 54-36.