Jackson lights it up with 17 points as Opals sink China

BENXI (China) - Lauren Jackson grabbed the headlines for Australia as the Opals won the first of a three-game series with China as Women's Olympic Basketball Tournament Paris 2024 preparations tipped off.

The veteran legend reminded everyone of how she can continue to be a force for her country as she dropped 17 points and also added 6 rebounds and 2 blocks as the visiting side claimed an absorbing 72-70 triumph in Benxi. 

                  Borlase also impressed at the FIBA Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Belem, Brazil

There was also a nice cameo from rising star Isobel Borlase who strengthened her case for potential inclusion on the final roster for Paris as she went to work with a 14-point haul. Both ballers hit big triples in the game as Australia made it rain with 7 of 17 from downtown.

China meanwhile will be eager to return to winning ways, since this is now the second time in a handful of months they have lost on home soil to another leading nation and medal challenger. They also went down against France at the FIBA Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Xi'An back in February.

They will go back up against the Opals and look to extract revenge on May 31 and June 2 in Shenyang. The full preparation games schedule for all teams participating at the Women's Olympic Basketball Tournament Paris 2024 can be found here.

FIBA