Round of 16 games at the 2016 FIBA u17 World Championships in Zaragoza, Spain
ZARAGOZA, Spain — It was a series of poor foul shooting, turnovers and missed opportunities that saddled Canada’s women’s u17 team with two consecutive loses and into the position of playing for 7th place at the 2016 FIBA u17 World Championships. It wasn’t supposed to be like this for the 2015 FIBA Americas champions.
The first stunning loss (58-56) was to and very physical and determined team from Italy in the quarterfinals which sent three solid post players (14, 6-1 Sara Madera, 12, 6-3 Valeria Trucco, 13, 6-4 Loreia Cubaj). Canada was able to battle with them on the boards getting 20 offensive rebounds but failed at the line with a 18 for 33 performance. This loss meant a slide to the consolation bracket where the best would be a shot for 5th place.
The second heartbreaker came at the hands of host Spain in the 5-8 classification game 75-72. It was a back and forth from the start when Canada jumped out 7-0 only to have Spain come back and win the quarter 21-17 but then regain the lead at halftime 39-36.
There were seven lead changes during the game and Canada went into the fourth period up 57-50 but could not withstand a comeback by Spain which took the lead 68-66 with 2:36 to go. The game from here was a foul and make foul shots for Spain. Canada had three chances to score in the final seconds.
Canada was an uncharacteristic 14 for 26 from the foul line and allowed Spain 18 offensive rebounds. Spain won the game on the final quarter 25-15 and held Canada wing Hailey Brown to six points in the final quarter with Alyssa Jerome leading with 15 points. Coach Jodi Gram played 11 of her 12 players with 10 scoring.
Host Spain advances to the 5th place game against Czech which came from behind to beat France 62-55 in the other 5-8 game. Canada now plays France for 7th place on Saturday, something that Canada didn’t come here for, but will take away the sole purpose of competition, to support the Women’s National team pipeline with future experienced players.
Coach Gram also noted that there is no favorite or underdog in the semifinal game between the USA and Australia on Friday evening. The YouTube ID of Insert video URL or ID here is invalid.
Brazil beat Mexico in the 13-14 consolation game 64-39 and Mali won an historic 69-47 game against a depleted Portugal in the 11-12 bracket for its third win in the tournament, the most ever by an FIBA Africa team.
