The Opals line-up, which includes Bendigo Spirit stars Belinda Snell, Tessa Lavey and Gabe Richards will take to the court at 2.50am on Monday (AEDT).

Australia was beaten 82-70 by the powerful United States in Sunday morning's semi-final.

The Opals struck back from a 16-point deficit at the start of the last quarter to be within six before the US went on an 11-nil run.

Australian Opals head coach Brendan Joyce spoke glowingly about the efforts of his players, but lamented a drop in the defensive pressure.

Opals star guard Erin Phillips achieved a game-high 19 points and racked up three rebounds and two assists.

Marianna Tolo played another grreat game of 10 points, six rebounds, two assists, two steals and two blocks in a game-high 32 minutes.

Penny Taylor, eight points, six rebounds and four assists, also starred for Australia.

Belinda Snell scored five points, while Tessa Lavey finished on two points and three assists against the US.

Australia impressed in reaching the last four without injured stars Liz Cambage and Lauren Jackson, but a star-studded American side again proved its big-tournament nemesis.

The second-ranked Opals have lost to the US at the past five Olympic Games, including in the semi-finals in London two years ago.

Australia won bronze at the world titles in 1998 and 2002.

The Opals were world champions in 2006.