Their semi-finals clash will see them lineup against either the United States or Nigeria depending on the outcome of their quarter-final at 5:30am AEST.

Battle hardened by ultra physical group stage matches and facing must-win circumstances after the shock campaign-opening loss to Nigeria, the Opals showcased belief, ruthlessness and chemistry in spades.

They led for all but 83 seconds of the game, putting themselves one win away from a medal and two wins away from a gold medal.

Alanna was instrumental in Australia running out to a 21-13 lead in the first quarter, amassing seven points, three rebounds, two assists and one block in her first stint on the court. 

Cayla George provided a boost off the bench towards the end of the period with seven points in four minutes.

Jade made multiple deflections on defence, forcing Serbia into tough shots, getting the Opals bench off their feet when she made a three-pointer for a 26-17 advantage towards the end of the first quarter.

Jade’s onslaught continued to set the tone in the second period, as the 21-year-old took Australia out to a 36-23 lead off another made three-pointer and an assist to Sami Whitcomb, forcing Serbia to call timeout.

“It’s so nice to play with someone who has so much heart and love for the game,” Alanna said. “It’s infectious.”

“She had a rough start, but she’s responded so well. She’s got so much potential to be one of the greatest Australian players. I’m so proud of her.”

It was the perfect half for the young Victorian, notching up 14 points, four assists, two steals and relishing the extended minutes on the court after struggling for impact in the group stages. It put the Opals up 48-32 at the main break.

“What a game! I thought that was probably the best game I’ve ever seen her play,” coach Sandy Brondello said.

Serbia started denying Jade the ball from the first whistle of the second half, as part of their conscious effort to turn up the physicality.

They started to make inroads on Australia's lead, cutting it down to 11 at 50-39, reminding Aussie fans about how Serbia completed a 24-point comeback on the Boomers just one day ago.

But the Opals immediately found more answers to solve Serbia's defence, mainly playing through Alanna, Sami and Steph Talbot to fuel a massive 17-0 run for a 67-39 advantage.

Yvonne Anderson had been Serbia's leading scorer in the tournament, but the Opals clamped down on her to allow just five points from their leader.

Serbia added some respectability to the scoreline in the fourth quarter, outscoring Australia 19-13 in the period, but the hopes of a comeback were dashed when facing a 24-point hole at three-quarter time.

The win gives the Aussies some revenge dating back to the Rio 2016 Olympics, when Serbia defeated the Opals 73-71 in the quarter-finals that included Marianna Tolo, Steph and Cayla on the roster.

If their semi-final opponent is the USA, there’s a confidence among the players that they’re up for the challenge.

“Seven of us have been playing against them in the WNBA,” Sami said.

“Cayla isn't in the WNBA now but has been, and Madge has played against them. We at least have that familiarity and experience. It doesn’t change how good the USA is but it changes the level of intimidation.”

“We just want to hoop.”

If it’s Nigeria, Australia will be hoping to make amends for losing to them last week in the Olympic preliminary rounds. The Opals will have a day off before the semi-final.

Jeff Dickinson-Fox