LEON & IRAPUATO (Mexico) - The group phase of the FIBA U17 Women's Basketball World Cup 2024 concluded with a flurry of excitement and record-breaking achievements in Mexico. Spain, Italy, USA, and Canada showcased their dominance by sweeping their respective groups, setting the stage for an intense knockout phase.
Highlights included Canada's commanding victory over France, Finland's historic first win at the youth global level, and Team USA's record-setting defensive performance.
Canada looking podium-ready after statement win
Canada have put the tournament on notice and made everyone check out their title credentials after blowing away reigning FIBA U16 Women's EuroBasket champions France 68-52. Once again it was the highly impressive Savannah Swords who did the damage.
The forward has posted an exceptional competition so far and France had now answer to her play as she stepped off court having registered 25 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals.
Time to celebrate for the Finnish trailblazers
It's a day that won't be forgotten by Finland after they won their first ever women's game at the youth global level. A stunning third quarter was the reason for their success as they eventually out paced Argentina 64-58.
Their staggering 26-2 third period gave them the cushion they needed down the stretch to hold off a late Argentina comeback. Eevi Seppa starred with 17 points and 13 rebounds.
Breakthrough win for Chinese Taipei
On Day 3 of the FIBA U17 Women's Basketball World Cup 2024 in Mexico, Chinese Taipei celebrated their first win in the tournament by defeating Egypt 69-45. This triumph marks their debut victory in the biennial competition. Despite facing challenges against Egypt's height advantage, Chinese Taipei excelled with superior ball movement, recording 20 assists, and strong defensive play, tallying 17 steals.
Key contributors included Yu Shan Hsu, who scored 13 points and grabbed 8 rebounds, and Yu Chen Peng, who notched a double-double with 10 points and 11 rebounds. Egypt's Joudy Elbaz led her team with 10 points.
More records for USA
USA continued to rewrite the record books as they cruised to a 123-42 victory over Croatia in Group C. USA dominated on defense with a record-breaking 30 steals - the most ever in a single game in the tournament's history. Jordyn Palmer contributed 6 steals, and Jacy Abii added 5 in a standout defensive performance.
Offensively, USA's 123 points set the third-highest single-game scoring total in the tournament's history. Overall, USA delivered an exemplary performance in both offense and defense.
Other results
- New Zealand blasted past Mali 84-47 in Group B as Bailey Flavell once again led the way. She caught the eye with 19 points, while teammate Keriana-Marie Te Ao Marama Hippolite was equally impressive and added 15 points, 10 boards and 5 assists.
- Australia secured second place in Group C with their second win in a row as they eased out Puerto Rico 67-46. Sitaya Fagan stood out with a perfect shooting display and a nice double-double of 11 points and 12 rebounds as well as 3 blocks.
- Spain got their third straight win in Group A at the expense of Japan, 67-60. Mireya Sanz scored 18 points on 7-of-11 field goal shooting to lead Spain here. She also added 9 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 triples. Japan absorbed their first loss of the tournament.
- Italy topped Group B with their third win of the tournament, a 70-41 victory over home team Mexico. Emma D'Este was absolutely unstoppable here with 13 points and 20 rebounds to finish with a 34 EFF.
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