08.10Lauren Jackson Leads Australia to First Win in Beijing
Lauren Jackson led the Australian Opals with 18 points and 10 rebounds in their opening game of the Beijing Olympics against Belarus, 83-64.
The Opals opened with some jitters but were able to build a 19-12 lead in the 1st quarter. By the half, the Opals had a 44-28 advantage over Belarus.
Jackson started a little rusty shooting only 38% but elevated in the 3rd quarter with 7 unanswered points.
“Our girls were challenged by the fact we have never played Belarus,” Australia coach Jan Stirling said. “For us it was a significant game and I think our recent loss in the Diamond Ball against the USA helped prepare us for today.
Suzy Batkovic, who had 14 points and 12 rebounds, said the match against the first-time Olympian Belorussians helped clear “my jitterbugs.”
“We have so much more to give. Our chances are extremely high at these Olympics – we’ve come here to take home gold,” she said.
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August 11th, 2008 at 9:05 am