The Canadian women’s 3×3 basketball team has fallen just short of snapping a long Olympic drought for the country in the sport.

Canada lost 16-13 to the United States in the bronze-medal game on Monday at Paris 2024.

The Canadian men’s team, in the traditional version of the sport, has won the country’s only Olympic basketball medal — silver in 1936 in Berlin.

Twin sisters Katherine and Michelle Plouffe of Edmonton, Paige Crozon of Humboldt, Sask., and Kacie Bosch of Lethbridge, Alta., are Canada’s 3×3 team members.

Katherine Plouffe led Canada with five points in the bronze-medal game, while Hailey Van Lith scored a game-high six for the Americans. Van Lith has been a key player for Louisville and LSU in the NCAA women’s ranks, and this year has transferred to TCU.

The Plouffe sisters played for the Canadian women’s team at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro before shifting focus to 3×3 in 2019.

Canada led 12-9 against the Americans before foul trouble loomed large for the second game in a row, helping the U.S. rally.

Canada lost a 16-15 heartbreaker to Germany in the semifinals earlier Monday after the Germans hit the winning shot with one second left. The U.S. lost 18-16 to Spain in the other semifinal.

Canada lost to the U.S. 18-17 in the preliminary round.

Both teams finished 4-3 in the preliminary round before winning a play-in game and losing in the semis.

3×3 debuted at the Tokyo Games three years ago. Canada did not qualify for that event.

Canada’s women’s 3×3 basketball team put on a strong showing at the Tokyo Olympics, finishing in fourth place in the tournament. The team, consisting of players Michelle Plouffe, Katherine Plouffe, Paige Crozon, and Kaili Lukan, exceeded expectations and made a name for themselves on the international stage.

The Canadian team started off the tournament with a bang, defeating strong opponents such as Italy and China in the group stage. They continued their winning streak in the quarterfinals, where they faced off against the United States, one of the favorites to win the gold medal. Despite putting up a valiant effort, Canada ultimately fell short in a close match, losing 21-19.

In the bronze medal game, Canada faced off against France in a hard-fought battle. The game was neck and neck throughout, with both teams trading baskets and playing tough defense. In the end, France emerged victorious with a final score of 18-16, leaving Canada to settle for fourth place in the tournament.

Despite not reaching the podium, Canada’s women’s 3×3 basketball team can hold their heads high knowing they gave it their all and represented their country with pride. Their performance at the Olympics has garnered attention and respect from fans and fellow athletes alike, showcasing the talent and determination of Canadian basketball players.

As 3×3 basketball continues to grow in popularity and recognition, Canada’s women’s team has proven that they are a force to be reckoned with on the international stage. With a strong core of players and a bright future ahead, Canadian basketball fans can look forward to more exciting performances from their team in future tournaments.