BASKETBALL: Australia have won their first tour game in Nagaoka against Japan, showing great form to win 80–41.

The understrength Opals side lost Sara Blicavs to injury before the tour, and Tess Madgen re-injured her ankle that was hurt while playing in the WNBL during training in Nagaoka. Madgen had initial scans in Japan and will return to Melbourne to commence treatment to prepare for the European tour.
 
Head Coach, Brendan Joyce said: "The margin was a surprise considering the strength of Japan and our previous encounters. Our team defence was superb for the full 40 minutes keeping Japan to 41 points and 0% from the three point line. Japan as a team generally shot a high percentage as this is one of their strengths"
 
"Stephanie Talbot and Natalie Burton played a major role in shutting down key players while Elizabeth Cambage had a dominant performance with 17 points and 8 rebounds in 21 minutes. Katie Rae Ebzery had a good offensive output with 13 points.
 
“Another pleasing component was the shared offence output resulting in all players scoring in the game."
 
"We expect Japan to come out aggressively Monday night and have a high focus on shooting efficiently."

Australia will play their final two matches of the Japanese tour on Monday 9 May and Tuesday 10 May at 7.30pm Japan time (8:30pm AEST) in Tokyo.

Ahead of August, Joyce's team will follow this tour of Japan with a tour of Europe before returning home for two final camps in June and July. 

Basketball Australia