Flames duo solid in Opals series friendly in Japan

June 24, 2024 | Sydney Flames News

Sydney Flames duo Cayla George and Lauren Nicholson played for the Opals in a two-match friendly series at the Hokkaido Sports Center, Sapporo.

The Seven Consulting Opals fell short against Japan 96 – 85 in Game One of the Mitsui Fudosan Cup in Sapporo (Basketball Australia).

Both George and Nicholson started game one, with Nicholson scoring nine points, three rebounds and one assist.

Japan threatened to blow the match open at times, but the Opals held their ground and challenged the host team to finish it off.

Amy Atwell made her presence felt as she returned to national duties with 21 points, 5 – 7 from three-point range. Keely Froling stood strong in a crucial period of the third and was a vital part of a spirited comeback for the Opals. Froling finished with nine points – nine rebounds.

Marianna Tolo returned to the green and gold with 11 points, six assists and Steph Reid played the role of distributor with 7 assists.

The Opals capped off a quick series in Japan with a 95-87 loss in Game Two at the Mitsui Fudosan Center at the Hokkaido Sports Center.

George was solid in game two, posting 13 points, five rebounds and three assists in 23 minutes of play.