The Opals have continued their winning ways in Rio on Day 6 of competition, defeating a spirited Japan outfit by six points.
» Cambage shines as Opals produce stunning comeback against Japan
Entering the final quarter, it looked like a big upset was on the cards with the Australians down by as much as 16.
However, a blistering 32-15 final quarter performance from the Opals saw them sneak home in the dying seconds.
After playing just 15 minutes in their win against France, Elizabeth Cambage was the standout for Australia, completely dominating in the paint to rack up 37 points.
18 of her 37 points would come in the final quarter, as she individually outscored Japan (15 points in the final quarter) to see her side home.
Cambage’s performance in offence ranks as the third highest score by a woman at an Olympics and the most points scored in 28 years.
The Opals face Belarus in their final group match on Monday.
Final score:
Australia 92
Japan 86
The Australian Opals will be searching for their fourth consecutive win in the group stage of the Rio 2016 Olympic Games when they face Japan. Join us here on The Roar for live scores from the match and a blog of the game, starting 6:45am (AEST).
After an emphatic 89-71 victory over France in their last fixture, Australia are looking more and more likely to contend for an Olympic medal.
Captain Penny Taylor was the star performer for the Opals, performing dominantly all over the court.
Taylor earned herself 31 points, five rebounds, three steals and nine assists, as well sinking all eight of her free-throw baskets.
The Opals now sit atop Group A with six points, as they edge closer to topping the group altogether.
Australia have taken three wins from their first three matches so far – before France, it was host nation Brazil and Turkey that fell to the Opals.
They’re not in any risk of missing out on the knockout stage, but winning here would guarantee them the top spot in the pool and, theoretically, an easier route to the medal matches.
Sitting in second place and looking to dethrone the Opals is Japan.
After opening up their Olympics campaign with wins over Belarus and host nation Brazil, the Japanese momentum came to an end after they were outclassed by Turkey 76-62 in their last match.
Set to face their toughest opponents, Japan will be desperate to get back to their winning ways and prove that they too are medal contenders.
Prediction
In their current form, it will take something special to beat the Opals. Expect the Aussies to get the job done and go four from four.
Australian Opals to win by 10
Join us here on The Roar for live scores from the match and a blog of the game, starting 6:45am (AEST).
Scott Pryde
Expert
Cutting it a little bit fine there by the looks of things. They got the win though and came through in a tough situation so I will take that as a positive.
Machooka
Roar Guru
Geez that was close... and what a wake-up call eh Opals!?!
Isaac Nowroozi
Roar Guru
Thank you to everyone who joined The Roar for this live blog, we look forward to seeing you all again soon!
Isaac Nowroozi
Roar Guru
FULL TIME: Australian Opals 92 - 86 Japan
Isaac Nowroozi
Roar Guru
That's time game! Japan were incredible for most of the game, but the Opals have somehow managed to pull of a massive comeback to win the game by six! What a result from the Opals, who remain unbeaten in these Olympic games!
Isaac Nowroozi
Roar Guru
Tolo sinks both free throws to make it a six point margin with five scores left. AUSTRALIAN OPALS 92 JAPAN 86
Isaac Nowroozi
Roar Guru
Cambage gets a big two points! Opals lead by four with 7.3 seconds, and this should do it! AUSTRALIAN OPALS 90 JAPAN 86
Isaac Nowroozi
Roar Guru
Japan get the three pointer! AUSTRALIAN OPALS 88 JAPAN 86
Isaac Nowroozi
Roar Guru
Taylor makes the three points, and the Opals now lead by five with just 51.6 seconds left in the game! We are in for a big finish to this one. AUSTRALIAN OPALS 88 JAPAN 83
Isaac Nowroozi
Roar Guru
Phillips sinks one of two free throws, the Opals now lead by two! AUSTRALIAN OPALS 85 JAPAN 83
Isaac Nowroozi
Roar Guru
Yoshida gets the two pointer! One point in the game, Opals lead. AUSTRALIAN OPALS 84 JAPAN 83
Isaac Nowroozi
Roar Guru
Cambage gets another two points! Opals lead by three with under two to go in the game! AUSTRALIAN OPALS 84 JAPAN 81
Isaac Nowroozi
Roar Guru
Mitchell drives down the middle for the lay-up and gets the two. The Opals lead! Incredible basketball. AUSTRALIAN OPALS 82 JAPAN 81
Isaac Nowroozi
Roar Guru
Cambage misses from the free throw line for the first time, and Japan make them pay with two down the other end. Cambage gets two back right away! AUSTRALIAN OPALS 80 JAPAN 81
Isaac Nowroozi
Roar Guru
Cambage gets the two and also draws the foul! Chance for the Opals to get the game level! AUSTRALIAN OPALS 78 JAPAN 79
Isaac Nowroozi
Roar Guru
Tokashiki gets the two! Cambage gets two of her own! AUSTRALIAN OPALS 76 JAPAN 79
Isaac Nowroozi
Roar Guru
Cambage sinks both baskets, three points is the margin! Japan are stunned. AUSTRALIAN OPALS 74 JAPAN 77
Isaac Nowroozi
Roar Guru
Cambage draws the foul, can the Opals get within three points? AUSTRALIAN OPALS 72 JAPAN 77
Isaac Nowroozi
Roar Guru
Cambage gets another two points! What a run by the Opals who bring the margin back down to five points! Can they bring the game back from the dead? AUSTRALIAN OPALS 72 JAPAN 77
Isaac Nowroozi
Roar Guru
Cambage sinks both baskets. AUSTRALIAN OPALS 70 JAPAN 77