AUS/CHN - Opals top China in Queensland

LOGAN (FIBA Oceania Series) - Australia's women opened their three-game series against China with a 73-67 win in Logan.

Rachael Flanagan led the way with 14 points while Suzy Batkovic (picture) finished strong and collected 12 points and nine rebounds.

The Opals had led by as many as 10 points in the second period, but saw China fight back to lead by one going into the final stanza.

That advantage had grown to three midway though the period, but baskets from Hanna Zavecz and Flanagan put Australia back in front.

Batkovic made key free throws in the final minutes to see the Opals home.

"We showed some grit," said Carrie Graf. "I think our rebounding was the separator.

I think our possession play was exceptional, particularly when we couldn't hit an outside shot," she said

"It's about continual improvement and building with the groups we have, and it's about finding ways to win. You always want to practise winning, not practise losing.

"We couldn't beat them in China twice, so to get a win tonight with a couple of new people in and with one practise I think was a good effort."

Zengyu Ma led China with 15 points while Yanyan Ji had 13.

Australia are using this series as preparation for September's FIBA Oceania Series against New Zealand, the winner of which will gain direct entry into the 2012 London Olympics.

FIBA