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Aussie Opals demoralise Mozambique in first Commonwealth Games match

(MARK RALSTON/AFP/Getty Images)
Roar Guru
6th April, 2018
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The Australian Opals have smashed Mozambique 113-53 in their first preliminary matchup of the Commonwealth Games at Townsville Entertainment and Convention Centre.

While there was never any doubt about the 60-point result, there was plenty to like about the Australians, with every player getting on the scoresheet, led by susperstar Liz Cambage’s 24 points, eight rebounds, three assists and three blocks.

The Aussies led at every change, blowing the scoreline out just seconds after tipoff with a fastbreak layup for Cambage setting the tone. Veteran Belinda Snell had 15 points with 3/3 from the arc alongside Jenna O’Hea’s 14 points and 4/4 from outside in a scoring frenzy that spread throughout all four quarters. Cayla George had a great all-round game with seven points, 11 rebounds and five assists.

With a lead of 50-20 at half-time Australia kept the pace up despite the rotations, scoring 36-14 in the third quarter and piling on 63 points in total for the second half.

With scoring already at a stretch thanks to a handy tall lineup, the Opals dominated the boards 48-29 and made sure that all players had decent court time, with every player playing between 12 and 19 minutes to share the load among the team’s 36 assists.

Mozambique can take positives from their performance with a young lineup on the court. Deolinda Gimo scored 18 points and Ingvild Mucauro finished with 10 points and nine rebounds. The side will be better for the experience as they look to take positive energy from their last quarter – their best result, going down 27-19 – into their next pool match against England on Sunday morning.

Australia will have a real test against Canada in their next match on Sunday night, a team that fancies themselves for the gold medal.

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