Australians Fall to China at Asia Cup

Jaz Shelley managed two rebounds and an assist in limited action against a powerful Chinese squad, as the Australian National Team suffered its first loss at the 2021 FIBA Asia Cup in Amman, Jordan on Wednesday.

Shelley, a 5-9 guard from Moe, Australia, saw more than 10 minutes of playing time in the 82-64 loss to China. She missed her lone three-point attempt in the game.

China took control early in the first quarter but a buzzer-beater by the Opals supplied some momentum heading to the second quarter. Trailing 25-19 at the end of the first period, Australia took a second-quarter lead with a stifling defense for the first seven minutes of the period. Australia won the second quarter 20-15, but trailed 40-39 at halftime.

China firmed its grip on victory in the third, outscoring the Aussies 18-10 to take a 58-49 edge to the fourth. The lead grew to 21 points late in the fourth period.

Australia will return to action for the fourth consecutive day on Thursday when the Opals face New Zealand in a qualification semifinal game. Live video of the contest will be available to subscribers of ESPN+.