Opals skipper makes it look Ezi to beat Turkiye

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Australian Opals skipper Ezi Magbegor has her team within one win of a guaranteed spot in the FIBA Women's World Cup quarter-finals after dominating Turkiye in one of her best performances in a green and gold jersey.

Magbegor, who was announced as Opals captain in the lead-up to the tournament in Sami Whitcomb's absence, was the best player on the court with 21 points in Australia's 87-71 win in Berlin.

The Seattle Storm centre went 10-from-14 from the field and 1-from-2 from the three-point line as the Opals remain undefeated after two games despite her fellow front-court partner Alanna Smith sidelined due to a lower leg injury.

Australia will take on Belgium for top spot in the group, with the winner to progress straight through to the quarters while the loser will need to play another crossover to earn their way through to the final eight teams at the World Cup.

Sandy Brondello's side looked to have improved dramatically from the side, which appeared rusty in their tournament opener against Puerto Rico on Friday night, executing better on both ends of the floor led by their trademark suffocating defence.

Opals veteran Steph Talbot continues to step up when needed, especially with the absence of the experienced Smith and Whitcomb, carrying a scoring load for Australia with an efficient 17 points, going 8-from-10 from the field, along with five rebounds and five assists.

Isabelle Bourne got the start in place of Smith, drawing the defensive task of limiting Turkiye star Kennedy Burke, with the Sydney Flames recruit and Townsville Fire star Alex Fowler limiting her to just 10 points on 36% from the field.

Fowler also seemed to be finding her feet for the Opals, scoring 10 points and doing her damage on the offensive glass.

The Opals tore Turkiye's defence apart, especially their pick and roll coverages, attacking the basket relentlessly with 56 points in the paint compared to 26 from their opponents. Australia also had 23 assists from 35 made field goals in positive signs for Brondello's offence going further into the tournament.

Magbegor and Australia's bigs were dominant despite Turkiye's best efforts to limit them through a number of questionable physical plays.

In interesting scenes, it also appeared Turkiye coach Andrea Mazzon had some words to Brondello following the loss.

The Opals take on Belgium, who have become a rival of Australia following epic recent clashes including the 2024 Olympic Games bronze medal game, at 7.30pm AEST.