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2018 Under-17 World Cup Day One Recap

Play is underway in Argentina at this year's Under-17 World Cup, where the best and brightest teenage talent from all over the world begin a week-long battle for the biggest prize of their still-young basketball careers.

Group C

Egypt’s concentrated low post play put them in control over New Zealand, despite the best efforts from Shalom Broughton and Haven Dixon to hold on to possession. Momen Hassan led all scorers with 14 points in Egypt's 64-50 win. Afterwards, big scoring from Canada in the second and fourth quarters saw them break away from Montenegro, a team whose offence evenly matched their own. Addison Patterson led all scorers with 20 for Canada, as they get their tournament off to a great start with a 25-point win

Group A

After going down to the wire against Dominican Republic, a free-throw from Luke Jackson with seconds left won the game for Australia. Jackson put in a double-double of 11 points and 13 rebounds in an increasingly tense game where Australia were playing catch-up after going down by ten at half time. Jean Berroa had 20 points for the Dominicans, but the win would be Australia's, and by two points.

Australia's Luke Jackson and Dominican Republic's Isaiah Riviera. Picture: FIBA.com

Puerto Rico made the last of eighteen lead changes in their back-and-forth game against Turkey mid-way through the fourth quarter. Following this, a late unbeaten run of eight points would seal the win for them. Andre Rodriguez had 20 points and two of his teammates finished with double-doubles, all helping Puerto Rico to a big first win in the tournament, 76-68 over Turkey.

Group B

China’s only compensation was a double-double from Jiao Boqiao, who had 13 points and rebounds, as they were completely dominated and outplayed in every area by the USA, who won by a margin of 115-37. Conversely, there was nothing to choose between Mali and Serbia, who were level at the half. When the game resumed, however, Serbia pulled away behind nine of their thirteen total threes, greater team play and efforts from their bench.

Siriman Kanoute was doing it all for Mali with 37 points, while Dorde Pazin's 29 led the scoring for Serbia in their 89-77 win.

Mali's Siriman Kanoute in the Serbian defence. Image: FIBA.com

Group D

Kai Sotto had 23 points and 12 rebounds for Philippines, but with 61 points from their starters and a superior showing from short range, Croatia led from start to finish, eventually winning by 22. Finally, hosts Argentina couldn’t find an answer for France’s play in the paint and tough defence. Malcolm Cazalon led all scorers with 19 points for France, whose 32-point victory was an early set back for Argentina, but the best possible start to the tournament for the French.

Play in the competition continues the next day. More information on the tournament and all the games are available on the official website.

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