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Penny Taylor has guided Australia to an impressive 89-71 win against France on Day 4 in Rio.
The 35-year-old Taylor was dazzling in the first half, knocking down 17 points as the Opals charged to a 46-29 lead at the main break.
Taylor would go on to finish the match with 31 points, five rebounds and three steals.
Adding to the impressiveness of the win was the fact that 24-year-old centre Liz Cambage only featured for 15 minutes.
With Cambage riding the pine, Marianna Tolo was given her opportunity and did not disappoint, playing tight defence and contributing 14 points.
The win ensures that the Opals would not need to face basketball powerhouse the United States until the gold-medal match.
Australia’s final pool matches are against Japan (Thursday) and Belarus (Saturday).
Final score:
Australia 89
France 71
Australia’s Opals are looking for their third straight win at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games when they face France. Join The Roar from 1:15am (AEST) for live coverage.
After a dominant 18-point win over host nation Brazil in their opening game, Australia moved closer to an Olympic medal after putting away Turkey in their last match.
However, the Opals were forced to fight to the bitter end against Turkey, finally winning 61-56 in an entertaining affair.
Liz Cambage proved her worth to Australia once again, topping the scoresheet with 25 points, including the final basket of the game to ensure her side the victory.
Australia are in a good position to top Group A, however standing in their way is France, who have been on a roll of their own.
The French opened their campaign with a 16-point win over Turkey, before edging Belarus in a thrilling contest that ended 73-72.
Both nations have four points on the standings, as does Japan, and as Group A begins to become a tighter race, no side can afford to slip behind.
Australia and France have also each proven to be vulnerable in defence at times, and in a match that will be as closely contested as this one, every basket will count.
Prediction
This will come down to whichever side has the best defensive form. Expect a close contest either eay.
Australia to win by 2.
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