Powerful centre Zitina Aokuso has given Australian Opals selectors another timely reminder of her prowess amid a hot battle for Women's World Cup spots.
Aokuso staked her claim for a ticket on the plane to Berlin in September with an outstanding performance as the Opals completed a 2-0 sweep of China in Melbourne.
The physical 27-year-old top-scored for the Opals with 14 points in their 84-82 comeback win at John Cain Arena on Thursday night.
Her clutch free-throws in the final minute and a last-ditch steal as Wang Siyu probed for a tying bucket were crucial in the victory.
Aokuso's defensive efforts against China's 220cm mountain Zhang Ziyu were another highlight, with the pair trading blows throughout the night.
Zhang was prominent again with 25 points and 11 rebounds, but would have had an even greater impact if not for the likes of Aokuso, Darcee Garbin and Issie Bourne fighting out of their weight division.
"She's unreal. There's not much you can do except make everything hard for her, and I think we did that tonight," Aokuso told AAP.
"She's going to get some, but you've got to make it hard for her.
"I'm used to being the bigger one, the stronger one, so to go up against her was very unique. It was a great challenge."
After a narrow 76-74 win in the series opener, the Opals were cheered on courtside in game two by some legendary predecessors, including Lauren Jackson and Penny Taylor.
The past greats were on hand with the 2006 Opals team, celebrating the 20-year anniversary of their famous world championship win.
But the current group came out flat and found themselves as much as 18 points in arrears.
Teen sensation Sitaya Fagan's buzzer-beater reduced the deficit to 45-31 at the main break, but didn't save the Opals from a stern talking-to from Cayla George.
Unavailable while pregnant, George provided the impetus for the second-half fightback.
"Cayla knows the culture she's built, and we didn't show that in the first half," Aokuso said.
"To have the past Opals here, we needed to do a better job in the second half and show that grit.
"That's what we did in the end tonight."
It was an even team display, with Courtney Woods (12 points), Ally Wilson (nine) and Bourne (nine) among the leading scorers.
Wilson landed three triples in the third period as the Opals erased the half-time deficit inside eight minutes.
The lead changed hands eight times in the fourth quarter before Aokuso helped tip the contest Australia's way.
Wang, who will line up in the WNBL with Southside Flyers next season, starred again for China with 18 points and seven assists.
Australia will face Puerto Rico, Turkey and Belgium in Group C at the World Cup, which starts on September 4.
"I think we have a really good chance no matter who (coach Sandy Brondello) takes. We can do it this year," Aokuso said.
