The Jayco Australian Opals have suffered the first setback of their European tour, going down to Canada 62-55 in the opening game of the TBF Zafer Cup in Istanbul.
In a basketball clash dominated by strong defensive pressure from both teams, it was Canada who got the crucial break late in the third quarter on Friday, with Shona Thorburn hitting a buzzer-beating three-pointer falling out of court to give her team a 50-44 lead.
The Canadian would not look back, extending the lead to as many as 12 points in the final quarter before the Jayco Opals rallied to cut the final margin to seven points.
Jayco Opals Head Coach Brendan Joyce said he felt the team was flat after the three strong performances to start the tour and will be looking for more contributors on the offensive end in their next match against Brazil.
"We'll be looking for more energy against Brazil, particularly more production from the guard positions against what will be a quick and high-tempo Brazilian outfit."
Liz Cambage topped the Jayco Opals for points (16) and rebounds (8), but struggled from the free throw line, hitting 6 of 11.
Rebecca Allen enjoyed her best offensive game of the European tour, posting 13 points and 3 rebounds, while Marianna Tolo continued her good form, with 9 points and 5 rebounds.
Coming off three impressive performances against the Czech Republic and Belarus, the Jayco Opals came face-to-face with a Canadian team matching their energy on both ends of the floor.
Canada held a narrow 16-14 lead at the end of the first quarter. It looked set to become an arm wrestle for the remainder of the half as neither team could establish momentum until a late Canadian flurry put them up by five points at half time.
The Opals lifted their defensive pressure and looked in position to head into the final period trailing by just three points - only for Thorburn to hit a near-impossible three-pointer as time expired to swing the momentum.
Despite their best efforts, the Jayco Opals could not close the deficit, having to settle for their first defeat of the tour and an end to their 7-game winning streak.
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