Opals fall to USA in final Rio 2016 warmup game

THE USA reminded Australia’s female basketballers just how tough it will be to win an Olympic gold medal in their last hurrah before the Rio Games.

Australia's Elizabeth Cambage was the top scorer for the Opals.

THE USA reminded Australia’s female basketballers just how tough it will be to win an Olympic gold medal in their last hurrah before the Rio Games.

But coach Brendan Joyce believes the Opals are now better-placed to fight for the top prize in Brazil.

The undisputed world champions beat Australia 104-89 in a high-tempo final warm-up at New York’s Madison Square Garden on Monday morning (AEST).

The visitors, following wins over Canada and France, set the tempo with a 17-11 lead in the first quarter.

They trailed by just six points at halftime but the five-time defending Olympic gold medallists were too strong.

Star centre Liz Cambage was as influential as ever, scoring a game-high 22 points plus eight rebounds, while energetic guard Leilani Mitchell added 18 points and had three assists.

Elizabeth Cambage of Australia and Erin Phillips of Australia.

The USA had five scorers in double figures, led by Diana Taurasi (20 points), Elena Delle Donne (19 points) and Brittney Griner (15 points).

“We scored a lot of points against a quality opponent but we had too many points thrown on us,” Joyce told AAP.

“It was pretty tough — but us Aussies, we don’t quit.

“We chipped away, everyone got to play some minutes, and we learnt some things.” Joyce felt some 50-50 calls went against the Opals, who he admitted lost some focus at times in front of a boisterous American crowd.

But he saw some promising signs and is optimistic about their chances at the Games.

“The key for us will be to defend them better,” he said.

“We got heaps out of this game. I’ve got a fairly youthful group so I feel it was highly beneficial to play them.

“If we were to meet them in a gold medal game, we will be better prepared now.

“But I’m also a realist in knowing that there’s no point looking ahead. Our focus is on our first game.” The Opals open their Olympic campaign on August 6 against hosts Brazil.

Originally published as Opals fall to USA in final Rio 2016 warmup game