Australia Opals maintain undefeated World Cup run despite injuries

The Australian women's basketball team, the Opals, have maintained an undefeated run in the FIBA Women's World Cup despite facing significant injury challenges and logistical disruptions.

In a narrow 82-80 victory over Italy, Isobel Borlase scored 30 points, marking one of the highest scoring performances by an Australian in World Cup history. The win followed a period of intense pressure as Italy erased a 26-point deficit in the fourth quarter to force overtime. The team is currently managing injuries to key players, including Alanna Smith, who is ruled out for the remainder of the tournament, and Ezi Magbegor, who suffered a knee injury during the match.

Prior to the Italy game, Australia secured an 87-71 win against Türkiye. That victory was achieved despite the squad being unsettled by a 2:00 AM hotel fire alarm in Berlin and the late-notice absence of Alanna Smith. Ezi Magbegor earned MVP honors in the Türkiye match with 21 points. The Opals are scheduled to face Spain in the quarter-finals.