THE AUSTRALIAN Opals have started their pre-Olympic campaign in strong fashion, defeating Spain in an exhibition match overnight to start building some impressive form.

The 2024 Paris Games kick off this week, and the Opals have their first match on Monday, but before that, the team had a two-game tournament scheduled, and it kicked off early yesterday morning AEST.

Australia faced a tough opponent in the fourth-ranked Spanish side, in a tantalising preview of a matchup that could come to fruition late in the Olympic schedule if both teams perform to their potential.

The Opals are boasting an impressive roster and look a realistic shot of bringing home a medal, and Tuesday’s matchup against Spain would prove indicative of how well the Aussies would go against some of the best nations in the world.

It was a test that they passed with flying colours, with Australia claiming a convincing 11-point win in Segovia, showing how balanced the roster is and officially announcing itself as one of the top contenders for the Paris games.

The two sides went basket for basket to start the match, with the Aussies unable to gain any true ascendancy in the opening quarter. The Opals led by two points at the first change, and it was shaping as a tight contest.

The lead was passed back and forth in the opening minutes of the second quarter, as Spain looked to make its push and score the ball inside, with shots falling more frequently than the opening term.

However, as the game rolled on, the Aussies began to run play through their premier passers, and it resulted in some easy baskets. The Opals held a slim lead at the main break, and it looked as if the visitors would take over the match.

That prediction rang true in the third term, as Australia found its rhythm on the offensive end and began to build a substantial lead in the context of the match. Although it was never a ridiculous margin, Spain was unable to go on any match-breaking runs, and trailed heading into the last.

With time winding down, the hosts threw the kitchen sink at the Aussies, drawing within three points in the final minutes of the match. However, the Opals kicked into gear to close out the match, putting the result to bed en route to an 82-71 victory.

Leading the way for the Aussies was Alanna Smith, who posted a double-double of 12 points and 11 rebounds, along with four assists in an excellent showing from the tall.

Sami Whitcomb led the way on the scoring front with 14 points to go with six assists, while rising youngster Jade Melbourne looks set to make her mark at Olympic level and had 12 points, three rebounds and four assists.

The Opals will next take on fifth-ranked Canada at 2:00am on Wednesday morning AEST in their final hitout before the Games begin.