U17 MEN BEAT AUSTRALIA 81-78 IN THE FIRST GAME OF THE FIBA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

(Zaragoza, Spain), The Canadian Men played their first game of the FIBA World Championships this morning in Zaragoza, Spain. They battled Australia for 40 minutes in a neck and neck game and were able to come out on top winning 81-78.

Our defense won us this game today. We put ourselves in a situation where we had to come from behind when we allow the ball to stick offensively. Once we got the ball moving, we got production offensively. But our defense got us this win especially the final 3 minutes.

Starting for Canada were Rowan Barrett JR, Danilo Djuricic, Andrew Nembhard, Ignas Brazdeikis and Simisola Shittu. Click here for full team roster.

Simisola Shittu was named Canada's top performer of the game he scored 22 points secured 12 rebounds and had 5 steals. Rowan Barrett JR also had a great game putting up 19 points, and a field goal percentage of 60%. Two other offensive threats this game were Andrew Nembhard with 14 points and Stefan Smith with 11 points.

Canada had a good shooting game and shot 51% from the 2-point range. While Australia was only shooting 45.5%. Although Australia shot 45.8% from the 3-point line while Canada could only capitalize on 23.1%. The difference of accuracy was opportunity the Canadian men attacked the basket 16 more times than the Australians allowing them to stay in the game.

Canada had great composure throughout the game the men caused 25 turnovers while limiting themselves to 15. They have an impressive 12 steals, 3 blocks and benefited off Australiaâ??s mistakes scoring 32 points from turnovers.

The game scoring high was tied between Australia's #8 Elkaz and Canada's #15 Shittu with 22 points. The game rebounding high was Canada's #12 Shittu with 12 and Australia's #12 Froling with 8. The top 3-point shooter from each team was Canada's #6 Barrett with 5 and Australia's #8 with 5.

Canada's next game is Saturday June 25th at 4:30 pm E.S.T against Finland.