Opals leave no doubt in dispatching DPR Korea for Semi-Final berth

BENGALURU (FIBA Women's Asia Cup 2017) - DPR Korea kept things close for the first five minutes before Australia broke the game open and cruised to an 81-48 victory in their Quarter-Final match at the Women's Asia Cup.

Alanna Smith recovered from a lackluster Day 3 performance to unload 20 points and haul down 9 rebounds in their fourth win in as many games. The Opals were better across the board in this contest, gaining more rebounds, assists, steals and blocks than their East Asia foes.

DPR Korea fought valiantly in the opening minutes of the game, but their shallow rotation proved to be no match to the Aussies, who had superior size and talent. As expected, Ro Suk Yong had 22 points to lead the way. Coach Kim Chol Sun's wards lost their fourth game in a row and will face New Zealand in the classification round.

Also impressing for Australia was Sara Blicavs, who tossed in 13 points to go along with 5 boards, 2 assists and 3 steals. Stephanie Cumming also did well, hitting 3 triples en route to 11 points off the bench.

Coach Cheryl Anne Chambers's squad will face Korea in the Semi-Final for the right to enter the Women's Asia Cup Final. The Opals, by virtue of winning here, have also officially qualified to the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2018 in Spain.

FIBA