Australian U17 women beat Turkey, clinch finals berth

The Australians Under 17 women have guaranteed themselves a berth in the Quarter Finals at the World Championship by defeating Turkey.

BOXSCORE

Australia has clinched a Quarter Finals berth at the 2012 FIBA Under 17 World Championship for Women by defeating Turkey 63-53 at the world championship in Amsterdam this morning.

After starting with a 1-2 record, the Australians needed a win to get their tournament back on track and a 13-point, 14-rebound double-double from forward Louise Brown did just that.

Point guard Tiana Mangakahia also chimed in with 13 points, five rebounds and three steals, while guards Abigail Wehrung (10 points, six steals) and Vanessa Panousis (10 points were also invaluable.

Australia started slowly and trailed 16-10 at the first break, before an 18-10 advantage in the second term got them back on track.

The Australians won each of the final two quarters to seal the win and move into fourth place in Group B.

Australia now faces a tough final pool game against the undefeated team from Japan (4-0) on Thursday morning at 5:15am Australian Eastern Standard Time.

Only the top four teams in each group progress to the Quarter Finals, but with neither of the winless teams from Turkey or Brazil capable of ousting the Australians from fourth spot in their pool the Aussies are guaranteed a finals berth.

Australia is now certain to take on the top seed in the other group, the undefeated (4-0) USA team, in a Quarter Finals showdown.