FIBA U17W - Rematch is word in Semis

AMSTERDAM (2012 FIBA U17 World Championship for Women) – Rematch is the word of the day for Saturday's Semi-Finals of the 2012 FIBA U17 World Championship for Woman as reigning champions United States take on Canada for a second time in the tournament and Japan and Spain battle anew for the other spot in the Final.

Team USA are looking to beat the fellow North Americans and eventually match their undefeated run to the 2010 title in France. Canada have already improved on their 11th placed showing from two summers ago.

Japan also jumped up the standings after taking fifth in France while Spain took eighth in 2010.

Canada v USA
Canada enter the game having knocked off tournament hosts Netherlands in the Quarter-Finals while Team USA eventually wore down and routed Australia to reach the Semis. The two teams played in Group A pool play with USA winning 86-47.

Canada have found their identity over the course of the tournament and come into the game on a four-game winning streak since the USA loss on the second day of action in Amsterdam.

The USA come off their toughest test against Australia, winning by the smallest margin thus far – though still 21 points.

Key match-up: Kia Nurse and Shaylisha Colley v USA backcourt
While the Canadians will look to use their strong inside presence in matching up with the USA size down low, the key will be if the Canadian backcourt duo of Nurse and Colley can get their team into their game. In the first game against the USA, Nurse and Colley combined for just 3-of-22 from the field and 7 turnovers. Canada would like to keep the score low but they will need their backcourt to get some points to stay in the game.

Spain v Japan
Spain reached the Semis by knocking off Italy in the Quarter-Finals while Japan survived a comeback against Belgium to move into the final four. The two sides battled in the penultimate day of Group B pool play with Japan winning 83-79 to secure first place in the group.

After having lost two straight games, Spain had too many weapons against Italy and even got the inspirational return of star Maria Arrojo for her first action of the tournament – though the previously injured ace was ineffective in a short stint.

Japan once again won a close game – their third victory by 8 points or less. The Asians also responded well to Belgium coming back from a 21-point deficit as Japan hit their big shots when needed.

Key match-up:  Yunika Nakamura and Evelyn Mawuli v Nogaye Lo and Laura Quevedo and other Spain bigs
While the backcourt players from both teams will apply some big time pressure on one another and Arrojo could prove to be an X-factor – if she even plays – the low post battle will be key.

Nakamura and Mawuli are so effective and combined for 32 points and 20 rebounds in the first game against Spain. Lo, Quevedo and the reserve low post players will need to find an answer for Spain to reach the Final.

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