FIBA U19 World Championship for Women
Slovenia living a dream


Nika Baric  © FIBA

The 2010 FIBA Europe European youth player of the year Nika Baric tried to wave some of her magic against Brazil with her trademark drive to the basket. Unfortunately her shot was off but worse she fell awkwardly and rolled her ankle.

Baric did not play again in the match and according to her coach Damir Grgic this might be her last game in the competition.

Baric and Tjasa Gortnar are one of the most prolific partnerships in youth international basketball. Baric will be moving to Spartak Moscow in Russia next season while Gortnar decided to go to university in the United States and play NCAA basketball with Georgia Tech.

Gortnar missed all off last season recovering from an ACL injury sustained during the 2010 U18 European Championship. She has made the most of her return with a double-double in her first game.

Slovenia dropped their opening game to Chinese Taipie and needed a win against Brazil to improve their chance of qualification for the next phase. However Damiris Dantas from Brazil had other ideas and led Brazil with 21 and 9 rebounds to victory (67-50).

Slovenia must win their final game if they hope to stay in the competition.

Aya Watanabe  © FIBA In the rest of the day's action Japan used a 20-3 second-quarter run to overcome Argentina (90-71). Aya Watanabe (left) led the way with 33 points which included 15 points from beyond the arc. She also picked up 11 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals.

Sanae Motokawa led the Argentinian attack with 18 points.

In the other game in Group B, the USA had a comfortable victory against Russia (76-53). The USA led (40-19) by half time, took their foot off the accelerator leading (61-23) with 12 minutes left to play. For the USA Diamond DeShields, Bria Hartley, Breanna Stewart and Elizabeth Williams all finished in double digits.

In Group A Italy had a ding-dong battle with China before coming out on top (70-64). Debora Carangelo led the way for the Italians with 19 points while Giulia Maffenini added 17 points. Mengran Sun scored 18 points for China.

Canada blew away Egypt(99-54) and are now set for the group decider against Italy.

Australia did not have it all their way against the hosts Chile but with 20 points and 10 rebounds coming from Tayla Roberts they won (77-46).

Spain bounced back from day one defeat with a victory against Chinese Taipei (77-47). Once again Queralt Casas was the leading player for Spain with 18 points.

Day 2 results:

Nigeria 0-20 France
China 64-70 Italy
Russia 53-76 USA
Japan 90-71 Argentina
Egypt 54-99 Canada
Chile 46-77 Australia
Chinese Taipei 47-77 Spain


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Basketball picture credits:

FIBA

Date created: 23 July 2011


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