The Australian Opals get their FIBA Women's Asia Cup campaign underway against the Philippines in their opening game of Group B.
The No. 7 ranked Lady Gilas are taking a young team to the tournament with six players aged 22 or below, headlined by 19-year-old University of Arizona guard Sumayah Sugapong, who was named to the All-Big West First Team and was the Big West Championship’s Most Outstanding Player.
They have plenty of experienced players on deck to lead the way in point guard Vanessa de Jesus, who played at Duke University for four seasons, before transferring to the University of Notre Dame and 6-foot-5 center Jack Animam, who is a dominant scorer and rebounder and will give the Philippines a strong matchup in the frontcourt.
The Lady Gilas are coming off their best-ever finish at the FIBA Women's Asia Cup in 2023, finishing in sixth place, and will have their sights on matching that feat as they look to secure a spot in the World Cup Qualifying Tournaments.
The Australian Opals and the Philippines squared off in the 2023 edition of the Asia Cup, with the Aussies cruising to a dominant 105-34 win in the group stage.
The Sporting News has you covered with all the information you need ahead of Australia vs the Philippines, including TV information, schedule, and more.
How to watch Australia vs. the Philippines: TV channels, live streams
- TV channels: —
- Live streams: FIBA YouTube channel
FIBA Women's Asia Cup games will not be available on free-to-air TV. You can watch the Opals games on ESPN/Kayo Sports. The tournament's games will also be available to stream on the FIBA YouTube channel.
When is the Australian Opals vs. the Philippines game?
- Date: Sunday, July 13
- Time: 6:30 p.m. AEST
The Opals will face the Philippines in their Group B opener on Sunday, July 13, with tip-off set for 6:30 p.m. AEST.
FIBA Women's Asia Cup full schedule: Dates, times for games
The FIBA Women's Asia Cup will begin on Sunday, July 13, and conclude with the championship game on Sunday, July 20.
The Opals have been drawn in Group B alongside the Philippines, Lebanon, and Japan.
*All times AEST.
| Game | Date | Time | Location |
| Australia vs. Philippines | Sunday 13 July | 6:30 p.m. AEST | Shenzhen Bay Sports Centre |
| Australia vs. Lebanon | Monday 14 July | 6:30 p.m. AEST | Shenzhen Bay Sports Centre |
| Australia vs. Japan | Tuesday 15 July | 6:30 p.m. AEST | Shenzhen Bay Sports Centre |
Australian Opals FIBA Women's Asia Cup squad
The Opals have named two debutants in their squad for the Asia Cup, with Alex Wilson and Isabelle Bourne set to make their official Opals debuts in Shenzhen.
| Player | Position | Height | Age | Team |
| Zitina Aokuso | F/C | 6-4 | 26 | UC Capitals |
| Chloe Bibby | F | 6-2 | 27 | Golden State Valkyries |
| Sara Blicavs | F | 6-2 | 32 | UC Capitals |
| Isobel Borlase | G | 5-11 | 20 | Bendigo Spirit |
| Isabelle Bourne | F | 6-2 | 24 | Southside Flyers |
| Abbey Ellis | G | 5-6 | 24 | Townsville Fire |
| Alex Fowler | F | 6-0 | 23 | Townsville Fire |
| Cayla George | F/C | 6-4 | 36 | Southside Flyers |
| Steph Reid | G | 5-6 | 28 | Sopron Basket |
| Miela Sowah | G | 5-11 | 25 | Townsville Fire |
| Alex Wilson | G | 5-9 | 31 | Perth Lynx |
| Courtney Woods | G/F | 6-0 | 28 | Townsville Fire |