Opals star leaves arena in wheelchair after crushing bump in World Cup win over Serbia
Opals fans can breathe a sigh of relief with Basketball Australia confirming small forward Bec Allen did not suffer any serious injuries during the team's 69-54 group phase win over Serbia on Sunday.
There were concerns for Allen after she pulled up gingerly following a crunching contest with Serbia's Dragana Stankovic in the closing minutes of the match.
While chasing down a loose ball, Stankovic's hip wedged into Allen's lower back leaving the 29-year-old short-winded and grimacing in pain.
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Allen was helped from the court by medical staff and later left the Sydney Superdome in a wheelchair with fears she had broken ribs.
The New York Liberty star has been a top performer for Australia at the women's World Cup so far, leading the Opals in scoring with a game-high 16 points against Serbia.
However, Basketball Australia communicated on Monday that Allen sustained "no apparent structural damage".
"Bec took a solid hit to the upper body during the Serbian game last night. She has been assessed by our medical team and has no apparent structural damage," a statement read.
"She is with the team and is in good spirits. She will continue to be monitored."
Australia's Bec Allen is taken from the arena by medical staff. AP
In a bruising outing for the Opals, guard Sami Whitcomb also copped a stray knock to the face during the match that left her bleeding from her nose.
The win against Serbia, after a dominant performance over Mali on Saturday, ranks Australia third in its group behind Canada and France. While the top four teams progress to the knockout rounds, Australia would want to finish in the top two to avoid a run in with the US or China in the quarter finals.
After losing its opening match to France 70-57, the tournament hosts will need to win their remaining pool games - starting with Canada on Monday night.
While Australia's medical team has given Allen the all clear, there is no guarantee the three-time World Cup medallist will feature in the all-important game, or appear again during the Opals' campaign.
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