LEON & IRAPUATO (Mexico) - The FIBA U17 Women's Basketball World Cup 2024 tipped off in Leon and Irapuato in Mexico with Croatia's historic win and a slew of stellar performances across the board.
In the first of three game days that will form the opening Group phase of the competition, there were some incredible individual performances and a historic result for Croatia.
Croatia clinch first FIBA U17 Women’s World Cup win
Croatia made history with their first-ever win at the FIBA U17 Women’s Basketball World Cup, defeating Puerto Rico in a thrilling match, 77-65.
Olivia Vukosa's standout performance, including 21 points and 22 rebounds, led the way and was pivotal, making her one of the top two all-time single-game rebounding leaders in the tournament's history.
Croatia’s solid defense thwarted Puerto Rico’s comeback attempts, securing a landmark victory on the world stage.
Magnificent Makeer and deadly Swords
Canada announced their arrival at the tournament with a statement 95-44 victory against Egypt. Agot Makeer delivered an extraordinary first-half show of 24 points and a performance efficiency valuation of 33. The shooting guard eventually finished up with 28 points including 5 triples as well as a super 6 steals and 4 assists.
Savannah Swords was just as exceptional in the frontcourt. She also excelled at both ends of the floor and came within one steal of equalling the all-time record. She finished with 17 points, 19 rebounds and a stunning 7 steals.
Spain start hot as Cargol sets new record high
Spain powered their way past Argentina in their opener as they completed a dominant 99-29 success that was built around a stellar show from playmaker Aina Cargol.
The guard set a new game-high assists record for Spain in the competition as she went to work with 22 points, 9 assists and 6 rebounds for a scorching performance efficiency valuation of 33.
Hassan powers Italy past New Zealand
Isabel Hassan proved to be too much to handle as Italy defeated New Zealand, 71-63. Hassan carried her team with a sublime 27-point, 15-rebound double-double performance.
Both teams were neck-and-neck for much of the first period before Italy outscored New Zealand, 22-11, in the second quarter to wrest full control. Italy asserted their strength on the boards, outrebounding New Zealand, 59-42, and scoring 21 points from second-chance opportunities.
USA open account with dominant win over Australia
Defending champions USA beat Australia at the 2024 FIBA U17 Women's Basketball World Cup, 82-55. The Sapphires kept it close in the first half before USA blew the game open in the third quarter. USA led by 10 at the half and entered the fourth period carrying a 31-point lead.
This was the first meeting between the two teams in the competition since the Semi-Finals of the 2016 edition which Australia won 73-60 - USA's only loss in the history of the event.
Jerzy Robinson led the Americans with 14 points and 3 steals while McKenna Woliczko added a dozen points and 9 rebounds. Lara Somfai paced the Aussies with 15 points.
Singare ties rebounding record in exciting Mali win
Mexico's Carol Enriquez hit a basket off a forced turnover in the final seconds of the game to bring the home team within a single point, but it was too little too late as Mali escaped with a 62-61 win on opening day.
Mali survived thanks to the 12-point, 16-rebound double-double performance of Hatoumata Singare. 12 of her rebounds were on the offensive end, tying the record for most in a U17 Women's Basketball World Cup game.
Other results
- France had too much in their locker for debutantes Chinese Taipei as last year's FIBA U16 Women's EuroBasket 2023 winners strolled to a 72-44 victory. Alicia Tournebize, Justine Loubens and Sarah Cisse all contributed 10 points apeice in a strong team display.
- There was an agonizing first experience for Finland as they were denied a debut win by Japan in a 62-60 nail-biter. The Finns will be reflecting on a tough night from long-range since they only dropped 3 of 26 from downtown.
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