Justin Jackson, Kevin Zabo Guide Canada to Victory over China!
NPH TOP PERFORMERS
- Justin Jackson– 23 pts, 7 rbs, 5 stl
- Kevin Zabo– 18 pts, 6 rbs, 3 ast
- Marial Shayok– 9 pts, 10 rbs
- Tanveer Bhullar– 8 pts, 8rbs
KAUNAS, LITHUANIA – The Canadian Cadet Men’s National Team was able to hold off a late fourth quarter run by China to win 68-64. With the win, Canada will now play tomorrow for a fifth place finish at the FIBA U17 World Championship. Canada will play the winner from the Argentina and Czech Republic game.
Canada had an outstanding performance from Justin Jackson (Scarborough, ON) who filled the stat sheet with a game-high 23 points, seven rebounds and five steals. Kevin Zabo (Gatineau, QC) scored 18 points and recorded six rebounds, while Marial Shayok (Ottawa, ON) scored nine points and grabbed ten rebounds in the game.
In the opening quarter, Canada’s offence had no issues scoring the basketball. They were able to grab an early lead, after starting the game on a 9-2 run. Canada continued to build on the lead and at the end of the first, Canada was up 23-14.
In the second, Canada’s offence cooled down as the team was only able to produce 13 points in the frame. Canada’s defense was up to task as they were able to continue to shut the Chinese offence and limit them to only eleven points. Canada took a eleven point advantage at the half, 36-25.
To begin the third quarter, China was able to cut the deficit completely. China was able to chip away at the Canadian lead and to finish the third quarter on a 13-2 run. When the third quarter was completed, the score was tied at 42 apiece
In the final frame, Justin Jackson hit his free-throws with 1:17 left in the game to make it a nine point game. China was then able to answer with three consecutive 3-pointers to cut the lead to three with 25 seconds left in the game. This was as close as China would get as Canada won, 64-68.
For box score, click here.
Canada will play the winner between Argentina and Czech Republic on Sunday. To confirm Canada’s opponent and time, please go to the tournament website. The winner of tomorrow’s game will place 5th in the FIBA U17 World Championship.
