U17World - USA's first competitive game, plus Canada beats Argentina

KAUNAS (2012 FIBA U17 World Championship) – Reigning champions United States survived a sputter start to roll past Egypt and remain undefeated at the 2012 FIBA U17 World Championship while Canada defeated Argentina in the battle of Americas team.
 
The North Americans had an 11-2 lead but then could not shake an inspired Egyptian team, which actually led 30-27 before the Americans turned up their defensive pressure for a 111-73 victory.
 
Conner Frankamp and Jabari Parker both tallied 18 points and three other USA players scored in double figures as the Americans forced 26 turnovers.

“We came out sluggish, a little nonchalant after seeing we didn’t have much competition out there in previous games. We came out and didn’t play as hard as we needed to,” said Parker, whose team moved to 3-0 atop Group A.

Canada also improved to 2-1 with a hard-fought 80-76 victory over Argentina as Kevin Zabo scored 18 points while Marial Shayok added 15 points and Justin Jackson hit for 14 in the victory.
 
Canadian Patrick Steeves nailed a big three with 53 seconds left and then made one foul shot with 3.8 seconds left to make it 78-76. He missed the second but Shayok got the offensive rebound and put-back to decide the game.
 
Argentina dropped to 1-2 despite 19 points and 10 rebounds from Gabriel Deck while Alvaro Merlo added 17 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists.

FIBA