The Australian women's basketball team, the Opals, have beaten Canada 97-65 at the 2006 FIBA world championship in Brazil today.

Belinda Snell top scored for Australia with 24 points. She was supported by Lauren Jackson who scored 23 points and nine  rebounds and Kristi Harrower who scored 17 points to go along with six assists.

Teresa Kleindienst scored 19 points to top score for the Canucks. 

The win gives Australia a top seed in the cross-over round, where three games will be played, starting Sunday morning AEST.

Lauren Jackson attracted a lot of early attention, which left Canada vulnerable if other Opals could step up. They did, behind Belinda Snell who scored 10 points and Kristi Harrower who scored seven points in the first quarter.

But inaccurate shooting from Australia in the second quarter combined with foul trouble allowed Canada back in the game behind a 10-0 run.

Coach Jan Stirling’s second half game plan was clear when Jackson scored from in close to start an 11-0 run.

Jackson went to the bench mid-way through the third period and the scoring dried up until Kristi Harrower hit a 3-pointer to get the Opals back on track.

The Opals’ defence meanwhile restricted Canada to just eight third-quarter points.

Sharp shooting from Snell and Harrower opened the final period before Jackson brought the Opals home for a solid 32 point victory, 97-65. No injuries were reported.

Australia look set to meet third place getter in Pool A Spain, who finished third on percentages after two wins.

Basketball Australia