Their opponents earned a dominant win over Puerto Rico in their opening game and Australian star Cayla George said they would need to lift their game in order to bounce back from their first-round loss.

“Collectively we need to play a better brand of Opals basketball,” George said.

“We need to get back to what we are known for, like being tenacious on defence and our offence will come from there.”

After a difficult lead in for the Opals, it was an uncharacteristic loss to the talented Belgium team, the Opals seeming to struggle to find their rhythm, an unusual challenge for a team that is known for being a tight knit group.

Coach Sandy Brondello said, “It’s all about what is in front of us now and that is a very good basketball team.

“We have great respect for China, they have had a great preparation and first up result.”

The Opals have a wonderful history at the Olympic Games with silver and bronze already in the trophy cabinet. If they are going to add to it, the Opals will need to out play a tough Chinese line-up tonight.

“We are pretty familiar with China as we have played against them a lot over the past few years,” George added.

“They are pretty physical with a lot of height, and they will be really tough.”

Tune in to watch the Australian Opals live from 10pm AEST on Seven and 7plus.

Tim Gilbert

#HaveAGo at Basketball