NBL1 stand outs from the FIBA Women's World Cup so far

By NBL Media

The Australian Opals are well underway in the 2022 FIBA Women’s World Cup. 

The Opals lost to France on the opening night, beat Mali by 60 on Friday and Sunday night they put up a defensive masterclass against Serbia, making their record 2-1 going into tonight’s clash against Canada at 8:30PM AEST on ESPN and Kayo Freebies. 

The Opals only need to win one more game to qualify for the Quarter-Finals, they play Canada tonight who have already qualified and Japan tomorrow at 8:30pm. 

Australia played Japan in a three-game warm-up series back in June where Jpan beat the Opals 2-1, with each game being decided by single digits. 

The Opals will need all their NBL1 firepower to get these next wins so check out the key performances from our NBL1 Opals so far below: 

Lauren Jackson 

Making her return to the Opals Lauren Jackson scored her 600th point in FIBA Women’s World Cup, ranking third all-time in total scoring. As the one everyone looks up to, Jackson had a lot to show in her first few games. Her best performance so far was against Serbia, where she had nine points and three assists and was critical in leading the Opals' defensive mindset in the game. 

?? HISTORY ??

Legend Lauren Jackson scores her first points for Australia after 12 years and becomes the third player in #FIBAWWC history to net 600 points! ?@FIBAWWC pic.twitter.com/mOOlh6e9vj

— FIBA (@FIBA) September 22, 2022

Cayla George 

The NBL1 North All-Star Five member Cayla George is setting the World Cup on fire, averaging 7.6 points, seven rebounds and three assists the Cairns Dolphin star is bringing her veteran experience and shooting into her third World Cup.  

Cayla George ?

? 14 points
? 7 rebounds
? 4/6 3PTS

What a performance in the Opals 118-58 win over Mali.#FIBAWC | @aus_opals | @CaylaGeorge22 pic.twitter.com/30EuOjbGIN

— ESPN Australia & NZ (@ESPNAusNZ) September 23, 2022

Anneli Maley 

In game two Anneli Maley made her World Cup debut, she made a three-pointer and grabbed three rebounds. The Eltham Wildcat scored her first points in an international competition. 

First ever @FIBAWWC points in the bank for Anneli Maley ??#WeAreBasketball pic.twitter.com/3FnDEEk33E

— Basketball Australia (@BasketballAus) September 23, 2022

Mariana Tolo 

Coming off an NBL1 South run with the Launceston Tornadoes, Mariana Tolo is lighting up the World Cup. She proved to be the heart and soul against France, putting up eight points and six rebounds She backed that up with 12 points against Mali and Serbia with three and five assists in each game respectively. 

Marianna Tolo is tougher than an old pair of leather boots ??#FIBAWC | @aus_opals pic.twitter.com/DGgVlGDun8

— ESPN Australia & NZ (@ESPNAusNZ) September 22, 2022

Sara Blicavs 

The Geelong Supercat has been a star for the Opals so far, her hard-nosed defence has set the tone for the team during their three games. Against Mali, she had 14 points and eight rebounds and will be an integral part of the Opals' defence going forward. 

Tune in tonight for Australia v Canada at 8:30PM AEST on ESPN and Kayo Freebies.