WWC: Opals top group, with Serbian assist
SERBIA's stunning 68-62 win over France tonight flung open the door for Australia to seize first place in Group B at the FIBA Women's World Cup and the Opals obliged by cutting down Japan 71-54 at Qudos Bank Arena, Kristy Wallace a huge spark and Steph Talbot again the home team's most consistent performer.
WWC: Oh Canada! Opals home in thriller
OPALS supporters tomorrow will be barracking for a Serbian upset over France after Australia tonight staved off Canada 75-72 at the FIBA Women's World Cup, the match at Qudos Bank Arena a statement game from Ezi Magbegor and an exceptional Steph Talbot.
WWC: Opals serve up Serbs
BUILDING on their breakthrough rout of Mali at the FIBA Women's World Cup in Sydney, the Opals tonight turned back a desperate and physical Serbia 69-54 to restart their podium campaign. But they had an anxious overnight wait after star shooter Bec Allen was hurt late in the game and assisted from the floor.
WWC: Positive signs as Opals smash Mali
AUSTRALIA last night twice startled the crowd at the FIBA Women's World Cup, first with another tentative 2-10 start, then with a 3-point bonanza in a mammoth 118-58 rout of Mali, the earlier introduction of Marianna Tolo and Lauren Jackson quickly turning the tide at Qudos Bank Arena.
WWC: French toast as Opals roasted
SACRE Bleu! French guard Gabby Williams tonight tore the heart from an offensively handcuffed Opals team as France scored a 70-57 FIBA World Cup opening night win over the host Australians at Sydney's Qudos Bank Arena, Bec Allen pacing the home side and Marianna Tolo offering an under-utilised option.
WWC: USA shows why it is favourite for Gold
THE USA opened the FIBA Women's World Cup in Sydney today with a convincing 87-72 win over Belgium to reinforce its Gold Medal favouritism, former WNBL import Betnijah Laney high among the defending champion's best, though Breanna Stewart clearly was the standout.
Sunday Drive: Blitz and Vice
BRYCE Cotton has wasted no time reminding NBL fans at the PreSeason Blitz in Darwin that he is "The Man" in this league and that his Perth Wildcats will be bouncing back in 2022-23 from the setback of last season missing the playoffs for the first time since Cal Bruton took the helm after the 1986 season.
Bob's Corner: 16 more Hall greats inducted
BOB'S CORNER: A further 16 new members have been inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame and our US correspondent, former import BOB CRAVEN has all the latest, as well as World Cup, WNBA, EuroBasket and NBA news to keep you entertained and enlightened across the weekend.
Friday Pot Pourri: World Cup, Blitz news
STORM pair Ezi Magbegor and Steph Talbot have led the Opals to a 92-88 practice match win over France in the lead up to next week's FIBA World Cup in Sydney while in Darwin, the defending Loggins-Bruton Cup champion Adelaide 36ers have opened with a victory over South East Melbourne.
SIDELINED highlights fight for women's equality
SBS Viceland on Sunday premieres the first in a four-part series titled "Sidelined: The Fight For Equality in Women's Basketball," following the journey of reigning WNBL champion Deakin Melbourne Boomers across their 2021-22 championship campaign.This is must-see TV for anyone who cares about women in sport.

