Tolo, Allen shine as Opals keep their World Cup medal hopes alive

The Serbians started the second quarter off strong, scoring two baskets in the first minute, but the Opals bounced back to build an 30-19 lead.

But Anderson again troubled the Opals’ defence, knocking down five late points to keep her side in touch at 36-28 at half-time. She had 14 points at the break.

The Opals kept Serbia scoreless for the opening four minutes of the quarter, growing their lead to 18 points, but they lost point guard Sami Whitcomb, who suffered a bloody nose. But she would return and nail a three.

Serbia went on the attack, defensively, and their aggressive play paid off, going on a 7-0 run late in the quarter as Sasa Cado found her range from outside as the Opals led 53-43 going into the last term.

Allen and Tolo again came up with key baskets as Serbia continued to press and trap, but it came to little as they took home a vital win.

After the game, Tolo added a little more insight about Allen’s injury.

“Bec got crunched with a knee to the ribs – it looked like she was in pain, and I hope she is OK,” Tolo said.

With Millie Muroi

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