Opals beat France in World Champ warm-up

The Australian women's basketball team have beaten France 71-55 in a World Championship warm-up match.

The Australian women's basketball team have gotten their World Championship preparations back on track with a convincing 71-55 win over France in Paris on Saturday.

Coming off a hard-fought 72-66 loss to the USA a day prior, the Opals responded in emphatic fashion at the warm-up tournament.

A dominant 26-13 third quarter set up the 16-point victory with as Erin Phillips led the way for Australia, posting a game-high 14 points to go with four rebounds and two assists.

Liz Cambage sat out the win after suffering a lower leg injury against the USA on Friday night, allowing Marianna Tolo to step into the starting role, posting 11 points along with two assists in 29 minutes.

Coach Brendan Joyce said he was pleased with how his team responded after the previous day's defeat.

"We were right in there against the Americans considering we shot the ball poorly, so to respond like we did tonight and really make the most of our opportunities was very pleasing," Joyce said.

"Tonight was a great insight into the quality of depth we have in the team. To get 30 points from the bench is a great sign.

"Our defence has become a real hallmark of our game and tonight this helped us create turnovers and get our offence going."

Belinda Snell (nine points and five rebounds) and Rebecca Allen (nine points, three rebounds and four steals) lead the bench offensive providing a strong impact at both ends of the floor.

Australia next face China on Sunday in their final game of the Paris warm-up tournament.

They open their World Championship campaign in Turkey against Cuba next Saturday.


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