HAMBURG (FIBA U17 World Championship) – In the first semi-finals between Canada and the United States of America the group B runner-up came back twice from double-digit deficits, but fell late 83-103 to their continental rivals.

The big question before the first semi-final arose, if Canada had enough left in the tank to challenge the United States? Answer: Yes. Big, big YES.

The unbeaten group A winner once again performed a nice first quarter, got into running mode and, as a result, was on top of the scoreboard by double-digits (17-30, 10min).

Canada fell behind by 20 points at the beginning of the second quarter 17-37, but Kevin Pangos (17 points) would not accept to go down quietly.

The point guard gathered his troops, re-arranged them and struck back – thunderous. Sporting good transition defense Canada cut the deficit to a 42-48 halftime score.

At the inaugural U17 World Championship no team was yet to run with the U.S. in the second half. At first it seemed today would be no different, as Bradley Beal (30 points, 15 rebounds, 5 steals) – who already had a double-double (18 points, 11 boards) going into intermission – drove his team for a 7-0 run to extend the lead to 42-55.

Pangos hit two consecutive shots from long range to get Canada's offense firing on all cylinders. With defense focussing on Pangos, it was 15-year-old Andrew Wiggins, who skyed in for a monster jam and another layer to make this a close one (58-62, 27min). 

USA head coach Don Showalter called for time and told his players what was on stake. Back in the game Gilchrist ans mates had their game faces on, but it took them until the last stanza, before Canada's will could be broken.

Quotes

Roy Rana, Canada head coach: "They have a pretty special group of players. They play as a team and have some outstanding individuals. We made it interesting for three of the four quarters. Overall I think that the difference was on the glass. I am proud of our kids, I think we showed today that Canadian basketball is on the rise."

Don Showalter, USA head coach: "Hats off to their coaching staff and to all their players. They have improved a lot in this past year and will get better with each year. For us, Teague here came off the bench and ignited our defense."

Andrew Wiggins, Canada number 15: "We played hard tonight. I just wanted to play my game and go hard." 

Marquis Devante Teague, USA number 6: "It was a great game, both teams competed hard. We knew they would give us their best punch, but we were prepared for anything they would throw at us."




FIBA / JB