Image courtesy of FIBA

The Junior Women’s National Team (JWNT) wrapped-up Eighth Final Round play at the FIBA U19 World Championship for Women with a convincing 68-47 win over host-nation Lithuania. Canada has compiled a 3-3 record through the first two rounds of play. The decisive victory has secured the Canadians a place in the quarter-finals of the competition.

The JWNT emerged with a balanced attack in the first quarter and Team Canada played its way to an 18-10 lead. The Red and White continued their strong effort in the second quarter, winning the rebounding battle and at one point, collected five consecutive offensive rebounds. Shay Colley scored all 10 of her points in the first half as Canada took a 34-20 lead into the break.

Team Canada played their best basketball in the third quarter, scoring 23 points in the frame en route to a comfortable 57-30 advantage after 30 minutes of play. The Lithuanian side pushed back in the final frame and outscored Canada 17-11, but the outcome was secure and Canada completed the round of 12 with a victory.

Winnipeg, Manitoba’s Emily Potter led all scorers with 15 points on 47 per cent shooting, while adding eight rebounds. Brampton, Ont. native Colley scored 10 points and Clarkston, Washington’s Jamie Weisner had another solid all-around outing with nine points, four rebounds and a game-high five assists. Team Canada was able to force 20 turnovers and out-rebound the Lithuanians 53-35. The match’s statistics can be viewed here.

“It was a dominating team-rebounding performance that led us to the quarter-finals today,” head coach Scott Edwards said after the game. “Our team has shown great resiliency and we’ve overcome adversity to get here. We are excited and looking forward to the challenge that the next round will bring.”

“We are happy to get the win, but we all realize that we have to execute better going into the quarter-finals,” said Colley. “We came together as a team and we are excited to move on.”

With a 3-3 record after the second round of the tournament, the JWNT advances to the quarter-final round which will begin following a day of rest and practice. The top four teams from Canada’s Group F will play in the next stage where Team Canada will face the top team from Group E – Spain. The two countries will tip-off on Friday morning at 4:15 a.m. (ET).

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