Canada defeats Azerbaijan in 3×3 basketball, advances to next round

Canada closed out its preliminary round in the women’s 3×3 basketball tournament at the Paris Olympics with a win Saturday, downing Azerbaijan 21-19.

Katherine Plouffe put up seven points for the Canadians and Paige Crozon contributed six.

Tiffany Hayes led Azerbaijan with nine points while Alexandra Mollenhauer had seven.

The two sides traded buckets early and Canada held an 11-10 lead at the halfway mark and, while the Canadians temporarily pulled away with two minutes to go, Azerbaijan rallied and levelled the score at 19-19 with seconds left on the clock. 

Canada won three of its first four games in the tournament before taking a pair of overtime losses to the United States and Spain on Saturday. 

The top two teams in the eight-team tournament will advance straight to Monday’s semifinals, while the next four teams will advance to a series of play-in games scheduled for Sunday night. 

In a thrilling match-up, Canada’s 3×3 basketball team emerged victorious over Azerbaijan, securing their spot in the next round of the competition. The game was a display of skill, teamwork, and determination from both sides, but ultimately it was Canada who came out on top.

The Canadian team showcased their talent and versatility on the court, with each player contributing to the team’s success. Their quick passes, sharp shooting, and solid defense allowed them to outplay their opponents and secure the win.

Azerbaijan put up a tough fight, with their players showing great athleticism and skill. However, they were unable to match the intensity and precision of the Canadian team, ultimately falling short in the end.

The victory for Canada is a significant achievement, as they continue to make a name for themselves in the world of 3×3 basketball. With this win, they have advanced to the next round of the competition, where they will face off against another formidable opponent.

The Canadian team’s performance in this match is a testament to their hard work and dedication to the sport. They have proven that they have what it takes to compete at the highest level and are determined to continue their winning streak in the tournament.

As they move forward in the competition, Canada will look to build on this momentum and continue to showcase their skills on the court. With their sights set on the ultimate prize, they will no doubt be a team to watch in the upcoming rounds of the tournament.