Canada Defeats Argentina and Claim 5th Place at FIBA U-17 World Championship

In the final game for Canada at the FIBA U17 World Championship, Canada was able to beat Argentina for the second time in the tournament by the score of 84-79. With the win, Canada will place 5th in the tournament with an overall record of 5-3.

 

Canada had a great performance from Kevin Zabo (Gatineau, QC), who was able to score 26 points and grabbed seven rebounds in the contest. Canada had another three players score in double-digits; Patrick Steeves (Montreal, QC) 14 points, Tanveer Bhullar (North York, ON) 12 points and Marial Shayok (Ottawa, ON) had 12 points.  

 

In the opening quarter, Canada came out on a torrid pace, as Canada was able to jump on Argentina 14-2 to start the game.The Canadian offence continued to build a large lead and scored 32 points in the opening quarter. At the end, Canada finished the frame with a 32-22 advantage.  

 

In the second frame, Canada continued to hold on to the lead, but late in the quarter Argentina was able to go on a 16-4 run to tie the game up at 40 apiece. Canada was able to hit two baskets before the half ended and took a slim 44-41 lead at the half.  
 

To begin the third quarter, both teams were unable to make a significant run on each other. The game was tied at 50-50, and finally Canada was able to pull away a bit from Argentina. Canada ended the quarter on a 16-7 run to give Canada a 66-57 lead heading into the final frame.  
 

In the fourth quarter, Argentina tried to cut the deficit and complete the comeback. Argentina chipped away at the deficit, but were only able to get within five. Canada went on to beat Argentina 84-79.