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Australian Opals vs Turkey highlights: Rio 2016 Olympic Games basketball scores, blog, result

Roar Guru
7th August, 2016
When: 6:30am (AEST)
TV: Seven Network
Most recent meeting: Australia 74 defeated Turkey 44 2014
Betting: Australia $1.05, Turkey $8
After leading the way for decades, women's basketball in Australia needs a leg-up. (AP Photo/Jessica Hill)
Roar Guru
7th August, 2016
94
7476 Reads

Match result:

The Australian Opals had to fight for it, but they have secured their second win in Rio, overcoming a spirited Turkey side by five points.

Turkey were well led by LaToya Sanders who topped the scoresheet with 25 points, while Liz Cambage led the Aussies with 22.

Australia started the game well, taking an early lead in the first quarter, but Turkey closed out the first on an 8-2 run to take the lead into the first break.

Turkey continued their hot streak into the second quarter thanks to some tight defence that forced a couple of early turnovers.

Australia was having issues trying to stop Nevriye Yılmaz, but a couple of three-pointers kept the game close. Turkey would take the lead going into the second half up by three points.

The third quarter started sloppy with neither team able to score early. Cambage got the lead for Australia midway through the third as Australia looked to make a big run.

The lead for Australia increased to five and they looked to make it bigger until Cambage was forced to the bench with foul troubles.

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With Cambage out, Sanders of Turkey looked to dominate. Australia, however, managed to cling to a slim two-point lead going into the final quarter.

The fourth was an arm wrestle with Cambage and Sanders taking over the bulk of the scoring for both teams. Again, however, Cambage would be forced off the court with foul trouble.

Turkey fought hard but Cambage would produce the final score of the game to secure the victory.

Final score:
Australia 61
Turkey 56

Match preview:

Australia’s Opals are looking to make it two for two when they come against world No.10 Turkey in their second match at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games. Join The Roar for a live scores from the match and a blog of the game, starting from 6:30am (AEST).

The Opals started off their Rio 2016 campaign on Day 1 with a win over host nation Brazil, coming away with an 18-point victory from an 84-66 scoreline.

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The Opals were trailing by four at half-time in that match but a strong revival in the second half led by the likes of Elizabeth Cambage and Penny Taylor saw them come back to take an 18-point win.

A heavy focus on three-point shots, which they proved to be dangerously accurate in, saw the Opals quickly make up that half-time four-point deficit, and power away to take a lead Brazil had no hope of catching.

They’ll be looking to continue their winning ways when they come up against Turkey, who are looking to bounce back from coughing up a 16-point loss to France in their opening match on Day 1.

Australia is one of the favourites for a medal in this Olympics however Turkey is the tenth ranked team in the world and will try to push Australia as hard as they can.

The last meaningful matchup between these two sides was in Turkey during the 2014 World Championship, where the Australian side won by 30 points.

Can Australia take their second win, and another step towards a medal? Or will Turkey shock the women’s competition by taking a win over their more fancied rivals?

Prediction
The Opals are the heavy favourites here and deservedly so. All signs point to them taking a comfortably and decisive win.

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Australia 88 Turkey 64

Join The Roar for a live scores from the match and a blog of the game, starting from 6:30am (AEST).

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