Dubai: Two-time defending champions USA will have to get past Asian champions China in the quarter-finals if they are to continue their quest for a third straight crown in the Fiba Under-17 World Basketball Championship in Dubai on Thursday.
As the serious action shifts to the Hamdan Sports Complex, the Americans are one of three teams — Serbia and Puerto Rico being the others — going into the knockout stages on the back of an unbeaten record in their group.
The US will be up first against China at 2.15pm, while Canada, shock losers to Japan in their opener last week, will take on strong challengers Serbia at 4.30pm.
The 2012 runners-up Australia, who managed to sneak through after winning their last match against Greece, will take on a confident-looking Puerto Rico at 6.45pm. In the last quarter-final, Spain and Italy will battle it out from 9pm.
Meanwhile, the eight teams who missed out on the knockouts will be involved in classification matches at Al Shabab Club.
Japan will take on Italy at midday, while hosts the UAE will face Angola at 2.15pm. Crowd favourites the Philippines will be playing Argentina at 4.30pm and Greece will take on Egypt at 6.45pm.
Meanwhile, running as a side event, the UAE Basketball Association and Dubai Sports Council (DSC) have teamed up to organise a Fiba-endorsed three-on-three basketball tournament.
The first event took place last weekend at Al Ahli Club, with almost 100 players showcasing their skills.
The action will now move on to the Hamdan Sports Complex where an official three-on-three court will be set up on August 15 and 16 at the main public entrance.
The 2014 Under-17 World Championship is the first Fiba competition in this age category to be held in the Middle East.
