Quarter-Finals set: Spain, debutants Slovenia among six Europeans in final eight with USA, Australia

MALAGA (Spain) - The Quarter-Finals for the FIBA U17 Basketball World Cup 2022 are set as hosts Spain and debutants Slovenia were among six European countries as well as reigning champions United States and two-time runners-up Australia who made it past the first hurdle in the Knockout Phase.

 

Spain shrug off hot Canada start, race into Quarters

 
Hosts Spain ignored a hot start by Canada and raced into the Quarter-Finals with a 87-63 victory to set up a date against Australia. Canada led 10-0 but Spain answered with a 34-4 run to surge ahead by 24 points midway through the second quarter. Canada fell behind by 27 points and were able to close within nine points but could not get back into the game. Hugo Gonzalez, Aday Mara and Conrad Martinez each scored 14 points and Izan Almansa picked up 12 points and 13 rebounds in the win.

"After the 10-0 we started playing defense and then started running fast break and getting easy buckets. The defense made the difference. We learned that we have to start playing defense from the first minute on and play hard," said Almansa.

Spain and Australia faced off in a friendly on June 24 and Spain won 82-54. But Almansa insists that game is long forgotten for Spain: "We won against them a few days ago but it will be a very different game. It's gonna be hard and we have to focus on the game Friday and forget about what happened in the past." 

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Slovenia fairytale debut continues, France up next

 
Slovenia booked their spot in the Quarter-Finals by getting past Argentina 69-55 as the tournament debutants continue to dream. Jan Vide did a bit of everything with 20 points, 6 rebounds and 8 assists for the Balkan side, who will face a major challenge in the final eight against France.

"It feels amazing to have accomplished something that has never been done for Slovenia," said Lon Lican, who chipped in 10 points and also said the team is not done yet. "We are looking forward to the Quarter-Finals. We don't fear anybody."

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France dealt another injury blow in blowout

Dejected Noah Penda looks on after getting injured

France continued to roll through the competition at the U17 World Cup with a dominant 108-43 victory over Japan, but the Europeans suffered another injury setback in their quest for their first title. Alexandre Sarr led the way with 19 points while Ilane Fibleuil collected 16 points 7 rebounds and 4 steals.

Playmaker and strong energy supplier Noah Penda went down with a twisted ankle early in the second quarter and could not play the rest of the game. France were already without Pacome Dadiet, who sat with a right wrist contusion suffered in the Group Phase game against Canada.

"We hope that Dadiet can play the next game. We're not sure. But I hope ... every player on the team hopes that Dadiet can come back," France coach Bernard Faure said looking ahead to the Quarter-Finals against Slovenia on Friday. About Penda, the coach added: "Now another injury - it's difficult for the coach and the group. But we have two days for therapists and doctors to make a miracle."

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Lithuania struggle but get past New Zealand on State Day

 
Lithuania were less but convincing but got the job done by knocking off New Zealand 61-48 to reach the Quarter-Finals.  Playing on their country's State Day, Lithuania only scored nine points in the third quarter but the Europeans did not let New Zealand within touching distance. Vytautas Zygas had 13 points and Kristupas Kepezinskas collected 11 points 5 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals.

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Stat of the day

 
30 - As in the points that Rodrigo Aybar scored in a loss to Serbia.

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Highlight of the day:

 Don't really need to say anything ... well, maybe, wow!

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 Picture of the day:

Great energy coming from Mali assistant coach Maiga Aissata Boubacar

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 Other results:

- Australia were not challenged at all in a 93-43 win over Lebanon. 
- Mali were on the verge of history but Poland came away with a 76-58 win.
- Serbia pulled away in the second quarter and eased past Dominican Republic 107-77.
- United States extended their perfect record in U17 World Cup history to 41-0 with a 103-48 drubbing of Egypt.

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 Quarter-Finals/9-16 Classification games:

Quarter-Finals
France vs Slovenia
Serbia vs United States
Spain vs Australia
Lithuania vs Poland

9-16 Classification
Japan vs Argentina
Dominican Republic vs Egypt
Canada vs Lebanon
New Zealand vs Mali

FIBA