FIBA U17W - Netherlands survive Turkish comeback, Japan and Spain pull away

AMSTERDAM (2012 FIBA U17 World Championship for Women) – Hosts Netherlands survived a frantic comeback to knock off Turkey in Group B at the 2012 FIBA U17 World Championship for Women, while Japan and Spain both pulled away for comfortable wins.
 
The Dutch saw a 16-point third quarter lead – 46-30 – melt down to one point – 50-49 – before the hosts finished strong for a 67-60 victory over Turkey.

Isabella Slim led the Netherlands in scoring with 21 points while Britt Zappeij hit for 12 points and Emese Hof and Lisanne de Jonge both scored 10 points in the win.

Turkey got 22 points and 14 rebounds from Hülza Coklar and Bürsa Akbas collected 19 points.

Yunika Nakamura tallied 21 points while Evelyn Mawuli collected a double-double of 15 points and 12 rebounds as seven players scored in double figures in Japan’s 92-71 victory over Brazil.

Japan won thanks to hitting 10 of 20 three-pointers compared to just 2 of 4 for Brazil, who were paced by Izabella Sangalli’s 23 points.

Spain meanwhile used a 23-1 run in the third quarter to streak to a 65-49 victory over Australia with Yaiza Rodriguez scoring 19 points. Ariadna Pujol collected 11 points and 10 rebounds while Leticia Romero had 10 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 steals for the winners.

Australia led by eight points at halftime but watched Spain score the first 17 points of the second half, going scoreless for the first eight minutes after the break.

Australia’s three points in the quarter were the second-fewest in U17 championship history as Mali scored two against Belgium in 2010.

Tiana Mangakahia led Australia with 10 points while Stephanie Collins tallied 7 points and 9 rebounds.

In Day 2 action on Saturday, Brazil play Australia; Spain face off against Turkey; and hosts Netherlands square off with Japan.

FIBA