LEON & IRAPUATO (Mexico) - The FIBA U17 Women's Basketball World Cup 2024 delivered an action-packed Quarter-Finals day in Leon and Irapuato, with standout performances from the tournament's top talent propelling the USA, France, Spain, and Canada into the Semi-Finals.
Highlights included Jerzy Robinson's near-record performance for the USA, McKenna Woliczko's record-tying rebounding feat, and dominant displays from France, Spain, and Canada as they overcame their respective challengers to keep their championship hopes alive.
Robinson erupts and Woiliczko ties record for USA
Jerzy Robinson made an early play for MVP after staking her claim with a sparkling effort as USA ran past Japan 95-59 to move into the last four of the competition.
Star guard Robinson set the tone with a brilliant first half and eventually accumulated 29 points. That was just 1 short of equalling USA's all-time scoring record.
McKenna Woliczko managed to tie a USA all-time rebounding record as she pulled down 17 of them, which added to her 16 points, meant a classy double-double.
France find their true face to race into Semi-Finals
There have been some bumps in the road for France, but they finally produced the display everyone was expecting pre-tournament as they shot down Italy 83-51. It was an excellent performance that reminded everyone why the won the FIBA U16 Women's EuroBasket 2023.
Built firmly on a scorching start, France left their opponents trailing with a 27-11 first quarter and never had cause to look back. Justine Louben recorded an excellent 15 points, 7 rebounds and 4 steals, Ainhoa Risacher produced her best game with 15 points, 6 assists and 5 rebounds, while Sarah Cisse netted 17 points.
Okeke dominates as Spain snap Australia's win streak
Australia saw their three-game win streak snapped at the hands of an energetic Spain, 71-58. The European side were in control from midway through the first quarter and never let the game slip away en route to the Semi-Finals.
To nobody's surprise, Sara Okeke continued to shine for Spain. The versatile 1.93M (6'4"_ Okeke put up a 28-point, 10-rebound double-double to lead the way for the victors. She also added 3 steals and 3 blocks while shooting 13-of-19 from the field. Gina Garcia also impressed with 12 points, 8 assists and 3 steals. As for the Aussies, Ruby Perkins scored 13 points in their losing effort.
Canada overwhelm Finland to advance
Canada scored the first 11 points of their knockout affair with Finland and never looked back. Agot Akol Makeer & Co. ran rings around the Finns on their way to a comfortable 82-44 triumph at the Domo de la Feria.
Makeer was the fulcrum of a three-pronged attack for the Canadians, which also drew great games from Jahda Denis and Deniya Prawl. Makeer had 15 points, 7 rebounds and 5 steals to carry Canada into the Semi-Finals. Meanwhile, Denis and Fami added 14 points apiece. Next up for coach Fabienne Blizzard's squad are unbeaten Spain.
Other results (Classification Games)
- Egypt are celebrating their first win at the fifth attempt as they beat Mali 55-52 to avenge a heartbreaking loss last year in the title game at FIBA U16 Women's AfroBasket 2023. Joudy Elbaz top scored with 14, Malak Elhemaly had a double-double of 12 points and 10 rebounds, while Yasmin Ahmed and Khadiga Abouelghait shared 26 boards.
- Croatia cruised past Argentina 91-73 off the back of a sensational performance from Olivia Vukosa. She posted a mammoth double-double of 20 points and 20 rebounds en-route to a huge performance efficiency score of 37.
- New Zealand bounced back from a stinging Round of 16 defeat to Finland by surviving a scare against Puerto Rico, 79-76. New Zealand left the door open for Puerto Rico to rally after being down by 18 points to begin the final quarter, but coach Melanie Anne Bennett's wards did just enough to salvage their third win of the tournament.
- Chinese Taipei wasted no time asserting their might against home team Mexico and prevailed, 95-80, in their classification game. Chen Chia Shan Pan led her team as they built leads of as high as 22 points against the Mexicans, who just could not find their rhythm. Chen finished with 21 points, 8 assists, 6 steals, 5 rebounds and shot 3-of-3 from beyond the arc for Chinese Taipei.
Top Performers
Top Highlight
Semi-Finals
USA v France - 17:30 Local Time (23:30 GMT) Spain v Canada - 20:30 Local Time (2:30 GMT on July 21)
Classification 5-8
Japan vs Italy - 12:00 Local time (18:00 GMT) Australia vs Finland - 14:30 Local time (20:30 GMT)
For the full schedule, including Classification 9-16, click here.
FIBA