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Canadian Junior team defeat USA;now undefeated on the way to quarterfinals of the U19 World Championship
Photo courtesy FIBA
PUERTO MONTT, Chile – In the final
game of the Eighth Final Round of the 2011 FIBA U19 World
Championship for Women, the Junior Women’s National Team
(JWNT) beat the USA to win the battle of the two undefeated teams
in Group E, 64-52. With the win, Canada finishes the round atop the
group; while the USA finishes second. Both teams have qualified for
the quarter-finals, which start on Friday, July 29.
“We did a great job defending the guard play of the
US,” said Head Coach Rich Chambers. “Our forwards made
their entry into offence very difficult."
The win gives Canada an undefeated record at 6-0 after the first
two rounds, which is the best record for any Canadian national
basketball team heading into the quarter-final round at any FIBA
World Championship ever.
The Plouffe twins (Edmonton, AB) combined for 36 points, with
Michelle scoring a game-high 24 and Katherine chipping in with 12.
Wumi Agunbiade (Pickering, ON) continued her hot shooting with 15
points on 7-15 shooting (46.7%).
Michelle Plouffe's consistent performance has not only been vital
in the team's success, but has impressed her coach as
well.
"Michelle Plouffe is a very mature and smart basketball player
that has helped the whole team maintain composure throughout the
tournament,” added Chambers.
Despite a game-high nine rebounds from Michelle Plouffe and
eight from Agunbiade, for the first time in the tournament the JWNT
were out-rebounded, as the USA finished with a 38-33 rebounding
advantage. However, Canada forced the USA to 21 turnovers; while
stealing the ball 15 times. Korissa Williams (Windsor, ON)
continued to be a presence on defense, leading the way with a
team-high five steals; while grabbing seven rebounds.
The JWNT got off to a quick start in the game with both Plouffes
scoring early and often, giving Canada a 20-10 lead after the first
quarter. In the second quarter, the USA began to climb back,
out-scoring the JWNT 13-9; however, Canada maintained a 29-23 lead
heading into halftime.
Coming out of halftime, the USA continued to cut down the Canadian
lead, out-scoring the JWNT by four in the third quarter, but Canada
still led by two. In the fourth, the JWNT forced the USA into
difficult situations and put the game away, scoring 23 points in
the quarter, while holding their opponents to 13, thanks to timely
scoring by WIlliams and Michelle Plouffe.
It is still undetermined who the undefeated JWNT will play in
Friday's quarter-final match, but Chambers knows that it will be
Canada’s toughest test yet and does not consider anyone a
favourite to win the tournament.
“All 8 teams that are left could win the World
Championships,” said Chambers.
All games can be followed via FIBA Live Stats at www.chile2011.fiba.com, while
the semi-finals and finals can be seen live at www.FIBATV.com. Game summary and box
score will be posted at www.basketball.ca.
Source: Canada Basketball
