Lauren Jackson says the Opals are toughening up daily, and vows there won't be a hint of softness in the team at the London Olympics.

Australia's women's basketball team took a massive step forward in their Games preparations with a powerful 102-58 win over world No.6 Brazil - one of their London group opponents - on Thursday night to sweep their three-match series.

It was an awesome display of size, strength and quality against good opposition.

Going into her fourth Olympics, team captain Jackson believes the current Opals squad are building the same sort of steely resolve previous Australian Games teams have shown.

Australia have been silver medallists at the past three Olympics, beaten by the United States who again shape as their nemesis in London.

"The Opals have definitely had a tradition of being tough and strong and playing through adversity, whether it's bad calls, roughness from the other team, injuries, things like that," Jackson said.

"One thing we have been doing is to pass on that legacy to the younger players.

"Day by day, you can see the toughness coming out in the players.

"We're not as soft as maybe we have been."

Jackson is clearly still stung by the Opals' 2010 world championship quarter-final exit - admitting the team getting together at the last minute before the tournament was a major factor.

Australia's leading women's basketballer was among the first to commit to a marathon three-month Olympic preparation under coach Carrie Graf to ensure no repeat.

The three-match series against Brazil in Victoria brings to an end a three-and-a-half week tour for the Opals, including several matches in Europe.

Jackson believes the build-up makes the Opals the best prepared they've been for a major event.

But she says success will only come if they maintain the rage once they depart for England on July 9 for their last pre-Games camp ahead of their Olympic opener on July 29 (Australian time).
"After a game like this, the series and the games in Europe, I'm expecting big things from this team and myself, and the coaches," Jackson said.

"I want the girls to get better. I'm just going to keep pushing the girls like Graffy is, and hopefully, we do good things."

Jackson was among the stars in Thursday night's match against Brazil at Victoria's State Basketball Centre with 18 points and six rebounds, showing she is over a recent hamstring problem.

Liz Cambage also starred in Game three shooting eight from eight. Cambage who will make her Olympic debut at London 2012 has been keeping a diary on her journey to London>>>

Guy Hand
AAP