Kevin Zabo (Gatineau, QC) and Marial Shayok, two Ottawa area boys, came up huge down the stretch to lead Canada’s U17 cadet men’s team to a 69-63 overtime victory over tournament hosts Lithuania at the 2012 FIBA U17 World Championships.
Forward Chris Egi (12 points, 7 rebounds) and guard Anthony Pate (12 points, 6 rebounds) also reached double-figures for Team Canada.
Canada closed the first-half strong but still trailed 38-30 at the break and outscored Lithuania 17-9 to tie the game at 47-47 after the third quarter.
Lithuania scored the first seven points of the fourth to grab a 54-47 advantage and seemed in control until Kevin Zabo came to life and ignited Canada’s comeback, forcing a 56-56 tie, with 3:56 remaining in regulation.
Marial Shayok forced overtime by banking in a three-pointer with 10 seconds left, and Canada put the game away by outscoring their opponents 8-2 in the extra frame.
Lithuania also featured four players in double-figures including a double-double from Guard Edvinas Seskus with 13 points and 14 rebounds.
The Canadians will look to improve to 2-0 when they face Croatia in their second game of the tournament.
