Kristi Harrower's Gems have come to play at the FIBA U18 Women's Asia Cup
The Australian's made a formidable start in their campaign opener with a 102 - 47 win over the Philippines, dominating every phase of play in an impressive performance.
Eight of the 12 suiting up in Malaysia played together at the recent FIBA U17 World Cup and the continuity showed.
Sophie Richardson had a lights out game as the designated shooter, lighting up the fourth quarter to finish 5 / 9 from three to tally 18 points.
The Isabel Smith & Olivia Olechnowicz guard combo immediately picked up where they left the FIBA U17 World Cup and took turns to attacking and suppressing. Smith finished with 17 points, four assists and Olechnowicz had 15 points, five steals.
Size was always going to be an edge for Australia and Lily Mapp (12) and Jemyma Manyok (8) dominated the rebounds. Madi Ryan was a free throw away from a perfect shooting game, going 6/6 from the field to finish with 14 points.
Q1: AUS 30 - 8 PHI
The Gems had a remarkable start to the game opening a 19 - 0 lead. Pressure, defensive stops and rebounding put the Philippines in a cycle of hurt and Harrower's women capitalised. AUS continued their momentum to a 30 - 8 lead at the first break. Issy Smith led scoring with 8 points. Olivia Olechnowicz 7 points, 3 steals
Q2: AUS 60 - 20 PHI
An 18 point run to begin the second was fuelled by Smith and Olechnowicz dominating on both ends of the court Madison Ryan got going to join the dangerous duo of guards in double-digits, Ryan found and executed great looks for 4/4.
Bucket of the quarter came from Jemyma Manyok with a classy spin move and bank against a double team. Australia were in complete control with a 40-point lead at the half.
Q3: AUS 79 - 36 PHI
An even start to the third with both teams picking up the intensity. Physicality increased and the Philippines persisted with a full court press to pressure the Gems playmakers.
Australia by 43 at the last intermission.
Q4: AUS 102 - 47 PHI
The positioning and craft of Lily Mapp continues to impress and had Australia slingshotting against every offensive set by the Philippines.
Australia started rotating minutes across the group in the fourth and Sophie Richardson got going. The Victorian shooter dropped multiple threes and leant into it. Richardson would end up leading all scorers by the final buzzer with 18.
NEXT UP
Australia will turn their attention to Oceanic rivals New Zealand, tomorrow from 2:30pm AEST. Follow the game live on FIBA YouTube.
