U17 Men Fall to France, 86-85 in Overtime of First Game of Exhibition Play in France

(Toulouse, France) - Canada's U17 Men's team was tested in their first of three exhibition games in France. The host French team held on to a one-point overtime victory in what turned out to be a thrilling opening game.

"Some good, some bad in the game. We saw things we do well at the same time, we need to clean things up. It was the first game for our players to experience," said Head Coach Dave DeAveiro. "We look to build off this experience."

Starting for Canada were Danilo Djuricic, Noah Kirkwood, Grant Shephard, Andrew Nembhard, and Ignas Brazdeikis. Click here for full team roster.

Djuricic paced the Canadians with 25 points and five rebounds while Brazdeikis scored 20 and pulled down 10 rebounds. Akot Emmanual provided 15 points off the bench.

In a competitive first quarter both teams battled, France coming out with a slight edge 22-21. Djuricic started out hot, finishing the quarter with 10 points, going four for five from the field with two three pointers. France countered with a spread scoring attack, six players scoring, including seven points from Ivan Fevrier.

Brazdeikis led the Canadians in the second quarter, finishing the half with 11 points and five rebounds. Shephard helped out with six points and five rebounds of his own as France stretched their lead to 43-36 at halftime.

Canada came out strong to start the second half with Djuricic scoring seven points, Kirkwood five, and Brazdeikis four, as they cut the lead to five heading into the final quarter.

Bradzdeikis and Djuricic continued to pour it on in the final quarter with strong contributions from Stefan Smith and Akot Emmanual, as the Canadians stormed back to force overtime, only to fall by one point in the extra frame.

Canada's next game is Thursday June 16th at 11:30 am E.S.T against Australia.