Bell tolls for Opals’ ‘bigs’ as Marianna Tolo makes triumphant return to crack China

MARIANNA Tolo has made a triumphant return to on-court action with the Opals beating China 90-69 in France today.

Marianna Tolo, on the far left, waiting to get her chance.

MARIANNA Tolo has made a triumphant return to on-court action with the Opals beating China 90-69 in France today.

Tolo tore her ACL in August last year playing WNBA with the Los Angeles Sparks and has been racing the clock to be under consideration for Rio Olympic selection.

But in her first action on the Australian team’s European tour, Tolo played 10:30, scored four points on 2-of-3 shooting and grabbed a couple of rebounds.

“It was very pleasing to welcome Marianna Tolo back after working so hard at the CoE/AIS,” Opals coach Brendan Joyce said.

At the 2014 FIBA World Championship in Turkey, Tolo was elevated from back-up centre to starter when London Olympics starting pivot, Liz Cambage, ruptured an Achilles tendon in a lead-up game against the US just days out from the opening of the tournament.

Tolo stepped up magnificently, averaging 12.2 points at 56 per cent, and 5.2 rebounds as Australia claimed the bronze medal.

Having her back in genuine contention now puts pressure on the Opals’ “bigs”, Cambage dominating China for 18 points at 67 per cent and seven boards in 16 minutes.

She scored nine of her points in a 29-15 second quarter rampage by the Aussies against the No. 8 ranked Chinese side, coached by former Opals mentor Tom Maher.

“We played a quality international team that we think will feature in Rio,” Joyce said.

“It was our best four-quarter effort on tour, with some tremendous execution under pressure.

“There were some minor lapses defensively that we can improve next game.”

Adelaide Lightning’s reigning MVP, Leilani Mitchell (11 points, five rebounds, four assists), Sydney Uni Flames’ livewire Katie-Rae Ebzery (16 points, five assists) and Perth Lynx playmaker Tessa Lavey (13 points off the bench) kept up the backcourt heat.

Joyce used all 13 of his touring squad in the game and 12 scored, only Bec Allen missing out.

“We are looking forward to the next challenge against another quality international team, Canada tomorrow night,” Joyce said.