Taking on the might of Team USA in Olympic basketball is a challenge the Opals believe they’re ready for.
So when the women’s semi-final between Australia and the USA tips off at 1:30am AEST on Saturday, the fact they have not beaten them in 19 attempts will mean nothing to the Opals.
Starting guard Sami Whitcomb, who plays for the Seattle Storm in the WNBA, said the Australians would not be intimidated by their super-star opponents.
“Seven of us have been playing against them in the WNBA,” Sami said.
“Cayla (George) isn’t the WNBA now but has been, and Madgen has played against them. We at least have that familiarity and experience.
‘It doesn’t change how good the USA is but it changes the level of intimidation.”
“We just want to hoop.”
Australia’s entry to the semi-finals comes off Jade Melbourne and Alanna Smith leading a comprehensive 85-67 quarter-final win over Serbia, a team that had never previously been defeated in the Olympic quarter-finals.
Speaking post-game Opals coach Sandy Brondello, a highly-experienced coach in the WNBA, was complimentary of Team USA before backing her team in.
“They’re a great team, we know that,” she said.
“But we have to go into the game with the mindset they have to stop us as well.”
The Opals will be playing in the Olympic semi-finals for the first time since London 2012, when Lauren Jackson was last on the Australian Olympic Team, the Opening Ceremony Flag Bearer and when the Opals won bronze.
“I think we’re ready,” Lauren said.
“I truly believe this team is capable of great things.
“The girls are really stepping up. It’s a new generation of athletes. They know how to play against the American team. We’re there with a shot.”
The United States of America overpowered Nigeria 88-74 in the women's basketball quarter-finals at Bercy Arena, as they attempt to win their eighth successive Olympic gold medal.