Katie-Rae Ebzery has warmed up for next week's pre-qualifying Olympics tournament with a 28-point explosion for Perth Lynx in their WNBL rout of Sydney Flames.
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Guard Ebzery claimed the highest individual score of the round, tallying 21 in the first half alone in a 93-74 home victory.
The win not only snapped a four-game losing streak, but ensured Perth (2-4) remain in sight of the top four as the competition breaks for an international window.
Ebzery is among a 19-woman Australian Opals squad that will head to Malaysia for matches against Chinese Taipei, India and Japan beginning on Thursday.
Japan has already locked in an Olympics spot as the host nation, leaving just one more spot available for the Opals to advance to the second stage of Olympic qualifying.
WNBA star Elizabeth Cambage is expected to play after completing her season with the Las Vegas Aces last month.
Ebzery is one of several Opals carrying strong form overseas, with Steph Talbot, Abby Bishop, Darcee Garbin, Leilani Mitchell and Kelsey Griffin all shining in WNBL round five.
Griffin's double-double (14 points, 13 rebounds) inspired Canberra to a dominant 91-72 win over the previously-undefeated Southside Flyers.
The reigning WNBL MVP was at it again in a thrilling comeback win over the Melbourne Boomers, scoring 18 to go with nine boards and five steals.
The two wins keep Canberra (5-2) right behind Southside (6-1) in second spot.
In other games, Talbot (18 points, eight rebounds) helped Adelaide Lightning (4-2) to a 105-77 demolition of Bendigo Spirit (2-5).
Sydney (2-5) got off the bottom of the table with an 82-73 triumph over Townsville Fire (1-5) despite strong efforts from Bishop (14 points) and Garbin (19 points).
The Flyers' Mitchell scored 23 in their loss to the Capitals.
Perth coach Andy Stewart said the win over the Famles was crucial for his team following a string of close losses.
"We know we can play good basketball and we've been so close. We learnt a lot through those losses," Stewart said.
"I know we've lost three in overtime but we got all the way there in those games. When we all come together, it'll be exciting.
"This is good for us. It means we're not stewing over things during the week off."
OPALS PRE-OLYMPIC QUALIFYING TOURNAMENT FOR ASIA/OCEANIA POOL B
November 14: Australia v Chinese Taipei (8pm AEDT)
November 16: India v Australia (11pm AEDT)
November 18: Japan v Australia (9pm AEDT)
Australian Associated Press
