One Win, One Loss for Canada at the Under-19 World Cup
Hopes were high for Canada before the 2019 Under-19 World Cup tipped off in Thailand, but they had an uncertain start over the first two days of action.
The team began the tournament with a surprise loss to Latvia. Though Canada led by five shortly after the start of the game, but Latvia soon made their shooting accuracy felt. They took the lead towards the end of the first quarter and did not look back.
Canada kept looking to get themselves back into the game, most of all Aaliyah Edwards who led the team with 15 points and 9 rebounds, but Latvia’s speed and physicality saw them stay in control and close out the game 65-54 in front. Mara Mote and Elizabete Anna Zumenta both finished with 13 points for the victors, while Laura Meldere had both 11 in points and rebounds.
The next day against Mozambique, Canada started off well, with their superior defence and greater accuracy from close range seeing them lead comfortably for the first three quarters. In the deciding final period, though, Mozambique sprung into action - limiting Canada to just four points and reducing the deficit from all spots on the offensive end.
Filipa Carlos Calisto made it a one-point game with thirty seconds remaining, but could not get another shot to drop in time, and Canada breathed a huge sigh of relief. Taya Hanson led the scoring for Canada with 19 points, while Chanaya Pinto had 23 points and 11 rebounds for Mozambique in the loss.
So after two days, Latvia top the group following a second win, 74-57, over a so-far winless Thailand, while Canada are in second place above Mozambique. Despite Mozambique having the higher point difference - they beat Thailand 66-39 - teams with tied records are separated by the results between them.
Elsewhere in the tournament, the USA sit atop Group C after wins over Australia and Korea, who had already suffered a loss at the hands of Hungary, who in turn were dispatched by Australia. As expect from the group of death, there is no room for error.
Belgium have so far dominated Group B with wins over China and Argentina, both of whom have picked up wins against Mali and will be . Spain have similarly been unassailable in Group D: first giving Colombia the baptism of fire with a 75-38 win in the first game, then beating their biggest group rivals Japan the next day.
Either Colombia or Germany would get their first Under-19 World Cup win on day two, and though the European champions started strong and saw 21 points from Luisa Geiselsoder, Colombia were the team that prevailed, 67 points to 60.
Canada's start to the tournament has been unconvincing, but there's still time and chances to put early doubts to rest and come out successful in the tournament. They take on hosts Thailand when play resumes on July 22nd, and a win there will likely put them in an advantageous position as they enter the knockout stage.
Check back here for updates on the team's progress, while full details can be found on the official website of the FIBA Under-19 World Cup.
Picture:FIBA.com
