 |
| Team Canada lit up Zaragoza on Day 1! (Image from FIBA) |
Canada survives slugfest with Australia while USA and Spain roll to routs!
Canada out-slugged Australia in a crucial showdown in Group C on the first day of action at the 2016 FIBA U17 World Championship while reigning champions United States and hosts Spain picked up blow-out wins and Korea surprised France.
In the top billing of the day, Canada prevailed over Australia 81-78 to take the driver's seat in Group C. The battle between the two teams had all the characteristics of a heavyweight boxing title bout as they delivered huge blows to one another but continually bounced back for more.
Australia twice came back from double-digit deficits and even led by 10 points with 4 minutes to play, but Simi Shittu (22 points, 12 rebounds, 5 steals) and RJ Barrett (19 points) came through in the clutch as Canada grabbed the victory.
Rowan Barrett Jr ('00) with the winning and one dunk #FIBAU17 https://t.co/G5mW19kuvm— Eurohopes (@Eurohopes) June 23, 2016
Dragan Elkaz looked ready to be the hero for Australia, scoring 17 of his 22 points in the fourth quarter - including 15 points as part of a 24-4 run to grab the 10-point fourth quarter lead.
There was little drama for the three-time reigning champions United States, who breezed past Chinese Taipei, 119-45, while hosts Spain hammered Mali, 86-55.
 |
| Javonte Dedrick dominates around the basket against Taiwan. |
The Asian champions Korea grabbed a European scalp in the tournament's first game with a 90-84 win in overtime over France. Yang Jae-Min collected 32 points, 12 rebounds, three assists, and three steals to lead Korea, while France's Jaylen Hoard poured in 41 points - equalling the tournament record set two years ago by Australia's Isaac Humphries against Canada.
 |
| Shin Min-Suk and the Koreans sprang a huge upset on Day 1! |
Turkey, meanwhile, fought back from a 19-point deficit and ended up easing past Egypt 71-61.
 |
| Ragip Berke Atar pulls up and rallies Turkey past Egypt! |
Day 1 complete results:
Korea beat France, 90-84 (OT)
Finland beat China, 65-58
Bosnia and Herzegovina beat Dominican Republic, 84-59
Canada beat Australia, 81-78
Spain beat Mali, 86-55
Lithuania beat Argentina, 74-57
United States beat Chinese Taipei, 119-45
Turkey beat Egypt, 71-61
FOR MORE ON FIBA HOOPS, CHECK THIS OUT!
FOLLOW THE AUTHOR ON TWITTER: @hoopnut
LIKE OUR FAN PAGE ON FACEBOOK, TOO!
0 Comment