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August 2015
Stephanie Talbot (AUS)
28/07/2015
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Talbot leaves calling card as Opals blow out Japan

DANDENONG (2015 FIBA Oceania Women's Championship) - Australia's Opals rolled to a big win over Japan on Monday in the opening clash of their three-game friendly series Down Under.

Warming up for their two-game FIBA Oceania Women's Championship showdown with New Zealand, the hosts claimed an 86-65 triumph.

The Australians, who clinched third place finish at last year's FIBA Women's World Championship in Turkey, will seal a place in the Rio de Janeiro Games with a victory over the Tall Ferns in the Oceania series, with games to be played in Melbourne 15 August and then two days later in Tauranga.

Overall, when you win by 20 against quality opposition, you're pretty happy. - Joyce

On Monday's evidence, the Opals are going to be extremely difficult to beat.

"It was really about the way we played," Australia coach Brendan Joyce said.

"We executed offensively for the majority of the game and our defense was really sound for three quarters, three and a half quarters.

"For the first game, I was surprised how well we did play. But we did have three grueling practice sessions." 

Australia took control with a run that started at the end of a tight first quarter.

Elyse Penaluna drilled a three-pointer and Katie Rae Ebzery capped the spurt with bucket to give the hosts a 25-16 advantage.

Australia went on to outscore Japan, who are preparing for the defence of their FIBA Asia Women's Championship title, 24-13 in the second period for a 45-29 lead at half-time.

Joyce's side put the result beyond doubt in the third quarter when they they poured in 23 more points for a 68-44 stranglehold on proceedings.

If any player has moved into contention for a spot in Australia's Olympic team this summer, it was the star of Monday's win, Stephanie Talbot.

The 21-year-old shooting guard poured in 20 points and corralled nine rebounds.

The former WNBL rookie of the year also had four assists.

"Absolutely, no doubt about it," Joyce said to the Canberra Times after Monday's win. 

"It's been a process with Steph; she's still got some things to work on but on the tour to Europe and the World University Games, she matched up really well on some very good players. 

"She did a really good job on [Serbia's] Ana Dabovic, who was the MVP at the European Championships." 

Her [Talbot's] speed is a big plus for how we play and she can defend a lot of different types of players. - Joyce

As for facing the Japanese, the coach says it's good preparation for the Opals.

"Japan are a really quick team," Joyce said.

"If you can't slow the ball up, they're going to get some really easy baskets. You saw that halfway through the last quarter when we lost our composure, our focus on what we're supposed to be doing and they punished us."

Japan outscored Australia 21-18 in the last quarter.

"If you get caught up on a screen and they get open, they knock those threes down," Joyce said.

"When you look at it, there are always going to be breakdowns and we're looking for perfection. That's what coaches do and that's what we're trying to get the players to do.

Game 2 of the friendly series with Japan will be played on Wednesday at Frankston Stadium.

FIBA