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Russell leads Canada past Latvia 65-51 in opening game of under-17 World Cup

MINSK, Belarus — Merissah Russell had a team-high 11 points with five rebounds to lead Canada past Latvia 65-51 on Saturday in their opening game of the FIBA under-17 Women's Basketball World Cup.

Sarah Te-Biasu scored nine points and added four assists for Canada. The Canadians will face Angola on Sunday.

"To start the tournament with a victory is obviously great, but more importantly we showed some mental toughness against a team we had lost to previously by establishing ourselves defensively as a unit, playing inside to outside, and rebounding voraciously at both ends," said head coach Jodi Gram. "The challenge now is to make sure we improve again tomorrow against Angola."

Latvia's Laura Meldere put up a game-high 20 points in the loss.

Canada's defence led the way in the first quarter, holding Latvia to just two baskets through the opening frame and earning a 14-4 lead heading into the second.

However, Latvia's offence found its footing early in the second, going toe-to-toe with Canada through the quarter and cutting down the lead down to 27-20 heading into halftime.

The rebounding differential grew drastically in Canada's favour throughout the third quarter, controlling the offensive boards, giving themselves extra possessions, and earning a 47-33 lead heading into the fourth.

Latvia chipped Team Canada's lead down to as low as five points late in the fourth quarter, but strong execution down the stretch allowed the red and white to escape with the 65-51 victory.

The Canadian Press


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