U17 Women Grab Third Win At World Championships, Beat Japan 70-55

(Zaragoza, Spain) - The U17 women are undefeated through three games at the World Championships, topping Japan 70-55. With the win, Canada finishes at the top of Group A with a 3-0 record.

Starting for Canada were Shaina Pellington, Hailey Brown, Alyssa Jerome, Sarah Donovan and Laeticia Amihere. Click here for full team roster.

Amihere continued her strong play, scoring a team-high 20 points and grabbing 16 rebounds. Canada's defence was key in the win, holding Japan to 20 points over the second and third quarters. The team outrebounded Japan 64-47 and held the opponent to 26.7% shooting.

In the first quarter, Canada jumped out to an early 10-5 advantage before the two sides exchanged leads. After 10 minutes, it was 17-17.

But the team would begin to pull away in the second quarter. Canada clamped down in the final three minutes to put together an 8-2 run, giving them a 34-27 halftime lead.

The late momentum carried over to the third quarter. Amihere had six points in a minute and a half of play, and the U17 women locked in defensively. A three from Hanna Hall made it 47-29 and Canada did not look back. They won the quarter 19-10 to lead 53-37 after three quarters.

Trying to seal the result, Canada's defence held Japan to two points in the first five minute of the fourth quarter. That would prove to be enough as Canada cruised to a 70-55 finish.

The win means Canada finishes first in Group A and will play the last place team from Group C. They will play on June 22 vs Mexico. Game time to be determined. Stay tuned to @CanBball for the latest.

For full tournament details, click here.