Mitch Cleary

The Jayco Australian Opals marked the return of International basketball to Geelong with a fighting 92-82 win over Japan at the Arena Thursday night.

In the second of three World Series Challenge games between the two nations, the Opals overcame a sluggish start before showing why they're the reigning world champions, overall class and height in the key the decisive factors.

Jenna O'Hea was the star for Australia with a game-high 25 points including 9-9 from the line, a performance which pleased coach Carrie Graf.

With the Opals lineup missing regular faces Lauren Jackson, Tully Bevilaqua, Penny Taylor, Belinda Snell and Erin Phillips who sat out through injury, O'Hea pushed her case for selection for the upcoming September World Chamipionships in the Czech Republic.

The Geelong fans provided a warm welcome for the national side, vocal support high as the locals got behind their heroes.

Surprisingly Japan led Australia in shooting percentage through field goals, beyond the arc and from the line, a far cry from their showing the previous night where they were hammered 98-63.

The determined Japanese, currently 14th in the world, led for almost all of the first term before going to the first break 20-20.

Their running style and long-range shooting was proving a handful for the Opals, Yoko Nagi particularly good finding 12 of her 20 from three point territory.

As Australia started to get on top in the third term, so did O'Hea and 18-year-old sensation Liz Cambage who provided a giant presence at centre with 12 rebounds, including five offensive.

To go with her 25 points, O'Hea also shared a game-high six assists with experienced guard Kristi Harrower.

Japan's constant foul trouble ensured they tallied 25 for the game compared with Australia's 14, the Opals sent to the line a staggering 20 more times.

With Japan threatening a comeback late in the game, Opal Laura Summerton had eight defining final quarter points, snuffing out any chance of a revival.

Graf was happy to come away with the win but admitted the Opals would need to iron out a few areas leading into the World Championships, a tournament they will defend after claiming their maiden title back in 2006.