CAN/RUS – Russia score vital win over Canada

RODEZ (FIBA U17 World Championship for Women) – Russia pulled away in the second half to beat Canada 76-61 and keep their hopes of a quarter-final berth alive.

In a must-win game for both teams, the Russians outscored the Canadians 47-33 over the last two quarters to turn a close game into a comfortable win.

Darya Namok had 13 points and four steals for Anna Arkhipova-Von Kalmanovich’s side, whose offense improved after the break when they attacked the basket, which often resulted in high percentage shots, trips to the free-throw line or led to open looks from three-point territory.

The Canadians, who patiently executed in the first half to be within one, 29-28, at the break, came apart when confronted by an impressive Russian full court press on the re-start.

Nirra Fields finished with a game-high 20 points for Jacqueline Lavallee’s side, who looked to have run out of energy from trying to break the stifling defense in the third period.

Quotes

Andrey Ruzanov (Russia assistant coach): “After the break, the head coach told the girls to  change tactics , and it worked. After this win, we have to work harder. The next game will be more important since it will decide who stays in the group or not.”

Jacqueline Lavallee (Canada head coach): “We were unlucky offensively. We missed a lot of lay-ups and we had a hard time on defense."

FIBA/LOC