RODEZ (FIBA U17 World Championship for Women) – Moeko Nagoaka exploded for 34 points to lead Japan past Canada 87-80 in the Rodez Amphitheatre.

Japan used their speed to great effect as they caused a surprise result. The Canadians relied on the traditional low post play, scoring 62 points in the paint.

The game was close early on with both teams slow to get their offense going. Nirra Fields – who finished with a game-high 36 points – made her presence felt especially on Canada’s fastbreaks to keep her team in the game as they trailed 44-38 at the break.

But Japan had better scoring balance and Nagaoka was well seconded by Yuki Miyazawa who finished with 27 points and 13 rebounds and they led 72-54 in the final frame.

The Canadians came back late on but ran out of time.

Quotes

Shinichiro Hayashi (Japan head coach): We are very small, but we are very good at playing quickly.

Jacqueline Lavallee (Canada head coach): Every loss is always tough. Japan's style is very different than any other and before this game we had never been confronted with this style. We didn't take advantage of our size.

FIBA/LOC