After a tough showing at the FIBA U17 World Cup, the Canadian squad is headed to the classification round (9th-16th place), after an 87-63 loss to Spain in the round of 16.
Canada opened the game with a 10-0 run while giving Spain fits in transition early, but as soon as Spain hit their first shot four minutes into to the game, the momentum began to shift slowly. Spain would end the quarter on an 16-2 run and take a four point lead out of the quarter.
Once the second quarter got underway, the big run that has sunk Canada throughout the tournament appeared once again as Spain’s momentum continued to build with a 12-0 run to open the quarter.
Canada started to battle back in the third behind Baraka Okojie, who had a game-high 17 points and four rebounds while he valiantly tried to keep Canada in the game. Just behind him was Mikkel Tyne with 16 points and four steals.
Hudson Ward also added 10 points with steady shooting from beyond the arch where Canada shot 22 per cent on the game.
Despite their efforts, Spain was too much and were led by three players who scored 14 points. Conrad Martinez Viladecans, who also had six rebounds and three assists, Ady Mara Gomez, who chipped in five rebounds and Huge Gonzalez Pena, who had seven rebounds.
Canada’s next opponent will be Lebanon at 11:30am est. on Friday July 8th. Click HERE for boxscore.
Canada vs. Spain boxscore click HERE.
Canada vs. Spain livestream:
