Opals topple hosts France in must-win clash to avoid Olympics ...

The Opals have qualified for the women’s basketball semi-finals after a tense 79-72 win over hosts France in front of a sold-out crowd at Lille’s Pierre Mauroy Stadium on Monday morning AEST.

Following last week’s shock loss to Nigeria, the Australians needed nothing less than a victory in their final group-stage match to keep their Olympic campaign alive.

It was an old-fashioned arm wrestle, with little separating the two sides across 40 minutes of action.

After the Opals got off to a flying start, France bounced back in the second quarter to tie the scores at half-time, but Australia dominated the third stanza to take a nine-point lead into the final quarter.

France, spurred on by 27,193 raucous fans, narrowed the margin to just four points with 34 seconds remaining before a clutch field goal from Cayla George sealed the win, ensuring the Opals avoided their first Olympic group-stage exit.

“Absolutely it’s right up there with the best games I’ve been a part of,” Opals centre Marianna Tolo said.

“Everyone came up with big shots in the clutch and defensive stops.

“It’s what dreams are made of.

“If we can play like that moving forward, we can go the whole way.

“We just have to take it one game at a time and we can’t take the brake pedal off because when we do, it’s like they are jumping all over us.

“We’ve got to be on our front foot first.”

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Veteran guard Tess Madgen top-scored for the Opals with 18 points, including four of six from range, while forward Alanna Smith contributed 12 points, four rebounds and five assists. Australian centre Ezi Magbegor also starred with 14 points, six rebounds and three assists.

“She was amazing wasn’t she,” Opals coach Sandy Brondello said of Magden.

“She’s tough as nails. To make big plays like that, I think she’s one of the best captains we’ve ever had.”

France, bronze medallists from the Tokyo Games three years ago, were unbeaten heading into the contest, topping the Group B standings as Australia finished second. Nigeria also qualified for the quarterfinals despite placing third in the group.

The Opals, who have previously won three silvers and two bronze at the Olympics, will next face Serbia in the quarterfinals on Wednesday at 7pm AEST.

Australian superstar Lauren Jackson didn’t feature in the French game, but the 43-year-old veteran is expected to return for the knockouts.