U17 SAPPHIRES SPLIT FINAL TWO GAMES OF WORLD CHAMPS WARM-UP TOUR

U17 SAPPHIRES SPLIT FINAL TWO GAMES OF WORLD CHAMPS WARM-UP TOUR

The Australian Under-17 Sapphires have followed a narrow loss to China with a thrilling victory against Lithuania to culminate a warm-up tour before the World Champs later this month.

The day after an impressive victory against the USA, Australia fell 63-60 to a Chinese Under-19's team despite the Sapphires shooting 53% from the field.

Trailing by seven points at the final change, Australia finished the game with a 17-13 fourth quarter to give the hostsĀ a scare but the comeback proved too late.

Jazmin Shelley (2-6 from three-point range) and Ezi Magbegor both recorded 14 points in the clash while Jasmine Simmons had six points and six rebounds.

Cassidy McLean and Monique Conti also showcased their offensive capabilities as every player again received court-time.

The Sapphires were able to bounce back from that loss with a 73-72 victory over Lithuania the next day to end the tour on a high.

The box-score from the game against China can be found below.

IMG_1810.JPG

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

With just over two weeks remaining until the Under-17 World Championships, Australia will now prepare for their first game against Mexico on June 22 while they will also face China and France in the group stage.

The full schedule and team info for all competing countries can be found on the FIBA website here.