Wales U17 Men v Žalgiris U17 Men
Wales U17 Narrowly Defeated by Žalgiris in OVERTIME
Wales U17 delivered a strong and determined performance but were narrowly beaten 85–82 by Žalgiris in a closely fought encounter.
The Welsh side showed resilience and composure throughout, competing strongly against a physical Žalgiris team and keeping the game within reach until the final stages. At times, Wales controlled the tempo and led by as many as eight points, demonstrating their ability to dictate play against high-level opposition.
A key strength for Wales came inside, where they consistently found success around the basket. Finishing with 58 points in the paint, the team showcased their physical presence and ability to convert high-percentage scoring opportunities. Their dominance on the boards was equally impressive, collecting 74 rebounds and creating multiple second-chance opportunities.
Leading the way was captain Michael Wells, who produced an outstanding all-round performance with 26 points and 11 rebounds, shooting efficiently throughout. He was well supported by William Morgan, who added 15 points and 14 rebounds in a strong double-double effort.
Anderson Hare also made a significant contribution with 9 points and 9 rebounds, while Max Marchant chipped in with 10 points and provided energy on both ends of the floor.
Wales’ depth was evident, with 31 points coming from the bench. Matthew Hughes added 7 points and 10 rebounds, while Cody Williams contributed 6 points, helping maintain intensity throughout the rotation.
Despite the positives, the game was ultimately decided by fine margins. Žalgiris capitalised on key moments, particularly through turnovers and free-throw opportunities. They scored 26 points from turnovers and were more effective from the line, converting 16 free throws compared to Wales’ 8.
Perimeter shooting also proved to be a factor, with Wales struggling to find consistency from beyond the arc. This allowed Žalgiris to stretch the floor more effectively and create additional scoring opportunities when it mattered most.
While the result will be disappointing, the performance highlighted the progress and potential within the Wales U17 squad. Their physicality, rebounding strength, and ability to compete with strong European opposition provide a solid foundation to build on moving forward.
Wales U17 will take valuable lessons from this game as they continue their development journey, with confidence growing from a performance that pushed a strong Žalgiris side to the limit.
FIBA Live Stats Link
https://fibalivestats.dcd.shared.geniussports.com/u/LKF/2833223/bs.html
