Opals beat Belarus by 42 points to complete perfect group-stage record at world basketball championships
Life without Liz Cambage is proving no trouble at all so far for the Opals at the women's basketball world championship.
Australia completed an impressive stroll through the group stage in Turkey with a 42-point demolition of Belarus on Wednesday morning (AEST) to a seal a quarter-finals spot.
The 87-45 win in Istanbul followed huge wins over Cuba and South Korea, with the performances easing fears Australia's medal hopes had been thwarted by two massive injury blows.
With superstar Lauren Jackson already ruled out, the Opals' preparations were rocked when Cambage tore her Achilles in a pre-tournament warm-up match and coach Brendan Joyce admits he did not know how his side would respond.
Much tougher tests lie in wait, but an under-strength Australian side has barely put a foot wrong in winning three matches by a combined 106 points.
"We didn't know what to expect when Lizzy went down but credit to the girls," Joyce said.
"We defend and when you defend anything can happen so I'm really pleased to get three wins and move into the next round
"Obviously I'd really prefer Liz being in the team but we've adjusted the way we play and that's creating some problems for our opponents."
A strong contribution from the whole squad and the leadership of veteran Penny Taylor have been hallmarks of Australia's campaign so far and both were again on display against 10th-ranked Belarus.
This time rising star Rachel Jarry led the way with a game-high 19 points, hitting 15 from 16 free throws.
Skipper Taylor again impressed despite being used sparingly, contributing 12 points while fellow Phoenix WNBA star Erin Phillips was superb with seven points, five rebounds and six steals.
What was tipped to be Australia's toughest test of the group stage was never really a contest as the Opals surged ahead in the first quarter and always looked in control.
Securing top spot in Group C means the Opals avoid an elimination playoff and progressed directly to the last eight.
AAP