Canada’s women down Austria, Latvia on Day 1 of 3×3 basketball World Cup

Canada’s women’s basketball team, missing star players Katherine and Michelle Plouffe, kicked off their World Cup campaign in Mongolia with two impressive wins. Cassandra Brown and Saicha Grant-Allen stepped up in the absence of the Plouffe sisters, showcasing their skills against Austria and Latvia.

Brown was a standout performer, scoring a game-high nine points in Canada’s victory over Austria. The 33-year-old from Vernon, B.C., sealed the win with two clutch free throws in the final seconds. Brown, a former member of Canada’s five-on-five squad, transitioned to the 3×3 format and proved her worth on the court.

Grant-Allen also made a significant impact, contributing six points in the game against Austria and leading the team with nine points in the win over Latvia. The 29-year-old from Hamilton displayed her scoring prowess and grabbed eight rebounds to help secure the victory.

Paige Crozon, another key player for Canada, showcased her skills on the boards with nine rebounds against Austria. Before the tournament, Crozon emphasized the importance of building chemistry with her teammates in the absence of the Plouffe sisters.

Despite a strong start, Austria posed a challenge for Canada in their opening game. An early lead by Austria was quickly erased by Canada, who went on a decisive run to secure the win. Grant-Allen’s stellar performance against Latvia ensured that Canada maintained control throughout the game, never trailing their opponents.

Looking ahead, Canada faces a tough matchup against third-ranked France on Wednesday. The team aims to continue their winning streak and secure a spot in the knockout stage of the tournament. With a history of success in 3×3 basketball, including a silver medal in 2022 and recent championship titles, Canada is determined to make their mark on the international stage.

In addition to the women’s team, the Canadian men’s squad is set to make their World Cup debut, featuring players like Alex Johnson and Jerome Desrosiers. With a challenging group stage ahead, including matchups against Austria and China, the men’s team is ready to showcase their talent and compete against some of the top-ranked teams in the world.

Stay tuned for more exciting basketball action as Canada’s teams continue their quest for World Cup glory. Live coverage of the tournament is available on CBC Gem and CBCSports.ca, providing fans with access to all the thrilling moments on the court. Don’t miss a minute of the action as Canada’s basketball stars aim for success on the global stage.