HAMBURG (FIBA U17 World Championship) – Canada would had a shot to steal the first rank, but fell short as Poland won 75:70 thanks to late three pointers.

Given the actual standings in group B play this matchup was a real decisive one.

Poland came in with a 4-0 record, Canada was 3-1. The winner would win the group stage – simple as that.

Canada did a nice job protecting the paint and tried to run away quick in transition, so Poland's dominant big men would not have time to sqare up underneath their basket (18-23, 10min).

In the second stanza the Europeans found their rhythm on offense.

The main difference was Poland's backcourt pressure defense, that took much time off the clock and did not allow Canada to keep up the pace.

Over the ten minute stretch before intermission the northern Americans connected on just 2-of-15 shooting from, the field.

Kevin Pangos (22 points) tied the game midway through the third at 45-45, but Canada could not get the momentum going, as Poland regained the lead until the end of the quarter (55-50, 30min).

Pangos willed his team to an 8-0 run to open the fourth period (55-58, 34min). Thanks to three trey out of the next four possessions Poland turned the tide an never looked back to stay undefeated in group B play.

Quotes:

Roy Rana, Canada head coach: “We turned the ball over a little more than we would have liked to. But we have now got a chance to prepare for what we came here for, which is an opportunity in the final eight. We’re disappointed with the loss but at the same time we’re excited about the opportunity of moving forward in this tournament.”

Daniel Szymkiewicz, Poland number 4: “I think that the team from Canada is very good because they play very good fast break. But we could stop them playing their game today We had good players come on from the bench and all players played really well.”

Albert Junior Lomomba, Canada number 8: “We followed our game plan, but at the end they just made some good shots and we were not able to get to the basket and finish like we can.

Grzegorz Zielinski, Poland assistant coach: “We knew we would face a team that plays the North American style and we haven’t ever encountered this style of play yet. We knew this game would be decided under the boards and we actually beat Canada there, which is why won this game.”

FIBA / JB