Life was downright awesome for Australia's Penny Taylor, the Most Valuable Player of the FIBA World Championship for Women, until October 20.

That's when a grimace replaced a smile, and Taylor trudged off the floor during a practice with a broken bone in her right hand.

It was no ordinary break, either.

		Without Taylor, Ieva Kublina and USO Mondeville Basket eased to an 85-67 win over Schio.

The international superstar got hurt during a training session and had to undergo surgery.

Famila Basket Schio, instead of being able to put Taylor on the court and show her off to the rest of Europe, must be content right now with having their talisman on the bench.

"It's difficult to watch your team lose and not be able to help them on the court," Taylor said.

"I underwent an operation last month and had two screws inserted in my right hand so I will probably we out for at least a month and a half. The team is looking for a substitute for me and hopefully whoever comes can help the team."

The loss of Taylor hurts. 

The forward was unstoppable in Brazil, where she led the Opals to their first world title with some incredible displays.

Taylor thrives in transition, but she also has a knack for putting the ball on the floor and driving to the basket.

So far, no one has been able to stop her in her European career.

Missing games is hugely disappointing for her.

"This is my fourth year at Schio and I consider myself a big part of this team," Taylor said.

"I try to help the team from the bench but it's not the same.

Schio haven't had much luck on the injury front this year, and that has definitely been a factor in their most difficult week.

USO Mondeville travelled to Italy and beat them 85-67 in their European opener.
 
"I think the real question is how healthy is our team?" Taylor said.

"I'm not playing at the moment, Bernadette N'Goiysa is out with a shoulder problem and Elisabetta Moro will be out for 10 days after pulling a hamstring in Sunday's game.
 
"All things considered, the team played well against Mondeville in our
opening EuroLeague (Women) game.
 
"We played well for two quarters but we struggled in the third and we
conceded defeat against a very good side."
 
The bad taste from the week became even worse at the weekend.
 
Schio conceded their first slip in the Lega Basket Femennile on Sunday
when they lost at home, 53-50, to Parma.
 
"It was a very difficult game against Parma, who are a strong team,"
Taylor said.
 
"To make matters worse, we lost Betta Moro to injury, she is really the
engine of our team."
 
Next up in Europe is a game against Teo Vilnius.
 
"This game is so important for us," Taylor said.

"It will be a great battle. I'm sure that despite the number of players out of action, the others will step it up and try to win the game."