Canada Defeat Under-19 Women's World Cup Hosts for Second Place in Group A
Canada finish in second place in the Under-19 Women’s World Cup Group A after winning their final game of the group stage over hosts Thailand.
Going into this third game with a 1-1 record, Canada put themselves in the drivers seat in the first quarter, leading by 13 points after an eight-point run, while Thailand were in control in the second quarter, their three-point shooting helping tie the scores at half-time.
Canada sank the dagger when the game resumed, outscoring the hosts 19-7 in the third quarter, and continuing that momentum into the fourth. Thailand’s scoring chances dried up, though their top scorer Yada Sriharaska (11 points) did all she could, Canada were faster to mobilise on offence, more effective in the paint and tougher on defence - Brynn Masikewich taking care of that, finishing with 11 total boards.
Ending the game on the highest margin of the game, 26 points, Canada closed out the game ahead 75 points to 49. Aaliyah Edwards and Micah Dennis both led the scoring with 14 points each for the victors.
This sees them finish second in Group A, following Latvia’s 68-54 win over Mozambique, who had the early advantage in the first half and looked poised to produce a shock result.
However, Latvia were lifted by their star player Laura Meldere - who had 21 points and 17 rebounds in the contest - and had ten unanswered points in the final phase of the game to stay perfect in the group.
Canada will next play Argentina in the tournament’s knockout round. The Argentinian team lost out to China in their final game of Group B by a margin of 74-49. Canada will be taking heart from this heavy defeat, as well as their earlier one against Belgium, that they have landed a favourable second-round draw.
In the same group Belgium went undefeated after a final 69-40 win over Mali, who at the same time finish the group winless.
Meanwhile, in Group C, Rhyne Howard led the USA to their third uncontested win, holding Hungary to just four points in the second quarter and going on to finish ahead by 45 points, the final score 95-50.
Korea led Australia at half-time, but Australia’s shut-out defence saw them overpower the Korean threat, and they secured second place in Group C with a 78-59 win. Jihyun Park had 22 points for the Koreans in their loss.
Spain took down their European neighbours Germany 56-49 to claim the top spot in Group D, while Japan picked up their second win over Colombia, 69-58, to clinch the more advantageous second place. Colombia’s earlier win against Germany saw them finish third.
There is now no room for error in the tournament - the final is only three games away, but a loss will put any team out of the running for the title. A recap of Canada's next matchup against Argentina, and their entire run in the tournament, will appear here, while all there is to know about the Under-19 Women's World Cup can be found on the official website.
Picture:FIBA.com
