FIBA U17W - Hungary, Brazil, Australia and USA win to top groups heading into off day

KLATOVY/PILSEN (FIBA U17 World Championship for Women) - There was deja vu on the second day of action at the FIBA U17 World Championship for Women in Klatovy as Hungary won another epic overtime game in Group A.
 
Following on from their opening win against Canada, the Hungarian players showed they won't be short on mental toughness or composure by closing out an 88-85 success against the home favourites.
 
Having blown an eight-point lead with just four minutes remaining during of regulation, it looked like Hungary had handed the initiative to Czech Republic, but a brilliant 27 points from captain Debora Dubei got them over the line, while Agnes Studer excelled in the extra period. The result was tough on Julia Reisingerova in particular, who had a monstrous double-double of 28 points and 16 boards for the Czechs.

Canada also showed great fortitude by reacting to their initial setback by getting rolling with a convincing 68-47 win against Korea. Bridget Carleton once again top-scored for the Canadians with 14 points, while Jaelyne Kirkpatrick dished up six assists.

The results mean Hungary head into Monday's off day unbeaten (2-0) to top Group A, with Canada (1-1) second, ahead of Czech Republic (1-1) and Korea winless (2-0).

There was another day to forget for Italy and their head coach Umberto Alliori, as he watched on in agony as his side slipped to a second loss in Group B with a 54-33 defeat against Brazil. The Italians suffered from an eye-watering and epic drought from the tip and missing their first 26 shots as Aline De Moura made them pay by adding 14 points for Brazil.
 
Spain showcased their credentials with a comfortable 84-57 win against Egypt and also underlined their all-round depth by becoming the first team at the event to get all twelve players on the score-sheet. Laia Raventos could barely miss, producing a six-of-seven floor shooting display for 15 points, with Nadine Selaawi accumulating 14 points for the losing side.

Brazil and Spain are 2-0 to rank first and second respectively in Group B, with Egypt and Italy meeting on Tuesday in search of their first win.

Meanwhile in Pilsen, Australia and Slovak Republic played out an engaging Group C encounter, with the former edging matters 58-51 after winning the battle of the boards in a big way. They out-rebounded their opponents 50-29 with their youngest player, Anneli Maley grabbing a quite phenomenal 20 of those to complete a double-double she will never forget after also scoring 12 points.

Japan had to work hard in the first half against a Mexico team who showed great resilience until just before half-time when things unravelled. As Japan put their foot on the accelerator and turned up the defensive heat, Mexico slumped to a 65-36 defeat. Hinano Mizuno impressed for the winning side with 11 points, seven rebounds and a brilliant six steals.

Australia is the only perfect (2-0) team in Group C, followed by Japan and Slovak Republic, both with one win and one loss and Mexico bottom (0-2).

The USA extracted some sweet revenge on France for defeating them during preparation to cement top spot in Group D. The champions made a statement with an 88-40 victory and were always on top after racing into an initial 15-5 lead. Katie Lou Samuelson again showed a sweet shooting touch with another four triples in a 17 point display. USA also dominated France in the late stages with a spectacular 26-1 final quarter. Alexia Chartereau was the standout player in defeat with an efficient 13 points.
 
Finally, China claimed a 62-33 win against Mali to get their first victory. Haimei Wang and Dilishati Dilana both impressed with the former landing 22 points and Dilana weighing in with 22 points, nine rebounds and five assists.

The two-time defending champions USA top Group D with their 2-0 mark, followed by China and France second and third and Mali last.

The action resumes on Tuesday with the results of those games determining how the teams will pair up in Wednesday's Round of 16.

FIBA