LEON & IRAPUATO (Mexico) - Spain claimed Third Place at the FIBA U17 Women's Basketball World Cup 2024 after shutting down neighbors France 47-39 off the back of a strong defensive effort and some magic from Ines Garcia Monje.
They land on the third podium step for the first time having previously been runners-up three times, while France were unable to repeat the bronze they took at the last edition in 2022.
Turning point
France were still hanging on early in the last quarter at 36-31, but they fell asleep briefly and Spain took full advantage. A triple from Leyre Urdiain sparked a a decisive 10-0 run as Spain snapped the game open and broke French resistance.
Game hero
Ines Garcia Monje was the outstanding baller as she wrapped up a fine double-double. She finished the contest with 15 points and 7 rebounds, making pivotal baskets in the last quarter.
She snapped up a sensational 7 steals for a performance efficiency valuation of 31. Meanwhile Leyre Urdiain weighed in with an important cameo of 14 points and 9 boards.
Stats don't lie
The overall points total of 39 tells the story for France as they scored a fraction of their average tally in the tournament. That was mainly due to a big struggle from downtown as they converted only 1 from their first 16 attempts before hitting a couple in the dying stages when it was too little, too late. They also scored zero points from fast break points.
Bottom Line
Spain's active hands and ability to score in transition helped them build the cushion they needed to get them comfotably over the line. With star baller Sara Okeke having a rare off night, other players stepped up impressively.
France had a shooting night to forget and were a pale shadow of the team that had led reigning champions USA by double-digits during the Semi-Finals. They finished the competition with a medicore 4-3 record having not consistenyly found the high gear of last year when they were crowned FIBA U16 Women's EuroBasket 2023 champions.
Top Highlight
Other Games
Australia sealed a top five finish as they edged out Japan 67-64 in a nail-biter as Maddison Ryan netted 22 points.
Italy rode past European rivals Finland 73-64 to finish in 7th place as Emma Giachetti posted a new Italian assists record in the competition with 10 of them.
Croatia claimed 9th place by beating Chinese Taipei 86-76 off the back of a record-breaking performance efficiency valuation of 50 as she finished with 31 points and 24 rebounds.
Egypt rose up on the last day of action to take their best win of the competition as they saw off New Zealand 62-59. Khadiga Abouelghait impressed as usual with 19 points and 9 boards.
Mali locked in 13th place by outlasting Puerto Rico 65-54 with Assan Bagnine Mariko claiming 19 points and 11 rebounds.
Finally, host nation Mexico avoided last spot with a convincing 75-57 success against Argentina. Lucero Ochua posted a double-double of 16 points and 10 boards.
FIBA