FIBA U17W - Japan knock off Spain for top spot, Dutch and Aussies into Quarters

AMSTERDAM (2012 FIBA U17 World Championship for Women) - Japan knocked off Spain to secure the top spot in Group B of the 2012 FIBA U17 World Championship for Women while hosts Netherlands and Australia both booked berths in the Quarter-Finals, eliminating Turkey and Brazil.

In the group’s showdown of undefeated teams, Japan got 20 points from Ai Yamada and 18 from Yunika Nakamura in beating Spain 83-79 to improve to 4-0. Evelyn Mawuli collected 14 points, 15 rebounds, 3 steals and 2 blocks and Ayane Itani chipped in 13 points in the win.

Japan led 77-71 with just less than four minutes left but went scoreless for two minutes as Spain evened the game. And Nogaye Lo gave the Spaniards a 79-78 lead. But Mawuli hit a jumper with 1:02 left and then completed a three-point play with 10.8 remaining to finish off the scoring.

Spain dropped to 3-1 despite getting 22 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists from Leticia Romero. Ariadna Pujol scored 10 points and Laura Quevedo had 9 points and 11 rebounds in the losing effort.

The Dutch also moved into the final eight with a 62-42 victory over Brazil with Isabella Slim collecting 19 points and 13 rebounds for the victors. Britt Zappeij added 12 points and Laura Cornelius had 11 points.

The hosts, who will face Spain on Wednesday with second place at stake, led just 29-25 at the break before allowing just six points in the third quarter and opening a 20-point lead in the period.

“In tomorrow’s game against Spain, we will be going for second place. We will not be hiding at all,” said Dutch coach Meindert van Veen.

Brazil, who dropped to 0-4 and are eliminated from the Quarter-Finals, were paced by 12 points from Monique Soares, who turned 16 on the day.

Three players scored in double figures as Australia beat Turkey 63-53 to improve to 2-2 and secure fourth place in the group – and a final eight date with the USA.

Louise Brown and Tiana Mangakahia both scored 13 points for the winners with Abigail Wehrung hitting for 10 points.

Turkey have yet to win a game at 0-4 despite Hülya Coklar collecting 15 points and 11 rebounds while Büsra Akbas added 13 points.

The final day of Group B action has Brazil taking on Turkey before the Netherlands face Spain. The final game of the group stage is Australia against Japan.

FIBA