Joyce hopes for more from Opals despite second straight win

BRIDGEPORT (Rio 2016 Olympics) - With just a week away from the start of the Rio de Janeiro Olympics, Australia are getting stronger and stronger.

After beating Canada on Wednesday, the Opals edged out France 76-67 on Friday in Bridgeport, Connecticut, to stay undefeated in the four-nation tournament.

We got a lot out of the match to improve upon before we meet again in Rio and we are starting to play well together offensively. " - Joyce

Liz Cambage owned the painted area to go with 19 points and 10 rebounds, Erin Phillips added a game-high 20 points for the Australians, while Endy Miyem and Celine Dumerc - the only French to score in double figures - combined for 24 points.

VIDEO > La réaction d'@Endidi711 après le revers des Bleues face à l'Australie (67-76) #AUSFRA #MissionRio pic.twitter.com/Xhb2Inhqe7

— Equipe France Basket (@FRABasketball) July 30, 2016

Heading to Rio as a top medal contender, Australia were a deserving winner thanks to a 46 percent shooting from the field. They also made 7 of their 15 three-point attempts, and out-rebounded France 33-24.

Yet, Australia head coach Brendan Joyce remains cautious. He insists they have a lot of work to do.

“I am happy with how we improved our game from when we last played France but there are still areas for improvement."

Last month, Australia closed their European tour with a 58-50 defeat to France.

At the time the Opals collected a 5-3 win-loss record following wins over Argentina, Italy, Belgium, Cameroon, and China but had lost to Spain, Canada, and France.

Joyce added: "We got a lot out of the match to improve upon before we meet again in Rio and we are starting to play well together offensively.

"Our team defence is also moving towards the same level we had at the 2014 World Championships," he noted. 

Meanwhile, the loss leaves France with a 5-2 mark in the build-up to Rio.

Before being thumped 84-52 by the U.S on Wednesday, France had enjoyed a 5-0 record following three wins over Rio Olympics hosts Brazil and two victories against Rio-bound Turkey.

The good news for Valerie Garnier’s team is that they shot impressively well from long range.

Against Australia, the French were terrific from beyond the arc as six players connected 7 of 11 three-pointers.

While France will close the four-nation tournament facing Canada on Sunday, the Australians will be put to the test against the U.S at Madison Square Garden in New York.

France and Australia will face-off again in Group A in Rio.

FIBA