9
Jul
Match Recap
Opals complete second-half rally to clean sweep China
Stephanie Reid, Zitina Aokuso of Australia and teammates celebrate from the bench during the match between Australia Opals and China at John Cain Arena on July 09, 2026 in Melbourne, Australia. PhotoDaniel Pockett/Getty Images)
Zitina Aokuso leads Australian Opals to comeback victory over China at John Cain Arena
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The Australian Opals have produced a stunning second-half comeback to defeat China 84-82, overturning an 18-point halftime deficit to complete a clean sweep of their two-game international series in Melbourne.
After trailing 51-33 at the main break, the Opals transformed the contest with relentless defensive pressure and greater efficiency at the offensive end, reeling in the visitors before holding on in a tense finish at John Cain Arena.
China dominated the opening half through teenage centre Zhang Ziyu, whose size and touch around the basket caused Australia significant problems. The visitors controlled the paint and capitalised on Australian mistakes to establish what appeared a match-winning advantage.
The Opals emerged from halftime with renewed energy, lifting their defensive intensity to disrupt China's rhythm while pushing the tempo in transition. Australia steadily chipped away at the margin throughout the third quarter before setting up a dramatic finish.
Zitina Aokuso led the Opals with 14 points and was influential at both ends of the floor, while Ally Wilson contributed nine points and five assists as Australia shared the offensive load.
China continued to lean on Zhang, who finished with a game-high 25 points and 11 rebounds, but Australia's defence tightened when it mattered most.
The lead changed hands several times during the final quarter as both teams traded baskets in a high-pressure finish.
Australia edged in front late before Aokuso delivered the decisive defensive play, intercepting a Chinese pass in the closing seconds to deny the visitors one final opportunity to reclaim the lead.
The victory completed an encouraging series for the Opals as preparations continue for next year's FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup, with the Australians again showing resilience after also overcoming a second-half deficit to win the opening game.
While the first-half performance exposed areas requiring improvement, Australia's response after the interval underlined the depth developing within coach Paul Goriss' squad and its ability to adapt against one of the world's leading basketball nations.
China will also take positives despite the defeat, with the emerging Zhang again demonstrating why she is regarded as one of the brightest young talents in international women's basketball after another dominant display in the paint.
The Opals now turn their attention to the next phase of their World Cup preparations, buoyed by consecutive victories over one of their biggest rivals and confidence gained from another successful comeback.
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