Australian basketball nice Lauren Jackson has taken one other step in the direction of a fifth Olympics as Alice Kunek and Isobel Borlase pressed claims for Paris tickets within the Opals’ 94-66 pleasant win over China.
Jackson, who has emerged from retirement to chase Olympic gold, put in a strong exhibiting at Melbourne’s John Cain Area on Wednesday night time.
The 43-year-old performed greater than 21 minutes – solely Darcee Garbin and Borlase spent extra time on court docket – in a optimistic signal of her health.
Jackson completed with 13 factors, three rebounds and two steals, and her contribution would have been larger if not for 0-of-4 capturing from three-point vary.
It was the primary of two conferences for the world No.3 Opals in opposition to China – ranked second behind the US – in contests that may assist resolve the make-up of the 12-player Video games roster.
The groups face off once more on the similar venue on Friday night time.
Kunek and Borlase have been excellent on Wednesday for an Opals line-up lacking seven stars who’re competing within the WNBA season.
Ezi Magbegor, Sami Whitcomb, Steph Talbot, Rebecca Allen, Alanna Smith, Kristy Wallace and Jade Melbourne are all within the Video games roster combine.
Kunek, who required surgical procedure on an injured wrist through the WNBL season final December, completed with 19 factors and had an enormous say through the decisive third interval.
Borlase matched Kunek with 19 factors and Garbin added 15 with 5 rebounds.
The Opals have been 7-of-10 from deep late within the first half, driving the recent palms of Garbin and Borlase to a 45-36 lead on the primary break.
The scoreboard bought messy within the second half as Kunek’s 10 factors on excellent capturing contributed to a dominant 26-13 third interval by the hosts, who went on with the job within the final quarter.
Wang Siyu was a shining gentle for China with a game-high 21 factors.
