DEBRECEN, HUNGARY (August 7, 2021) - The Canadian U19 Women’s National Team fought hard in a tough 83-82 loss against Japan in the first game of the FIBA U19 Women’s Basketball World Cup 2021.

Canada was led by Shayeann Day-Wilson who had a strong first half scoring 23 of Canada’s 54 points by the end of the second, finishing the game with 29 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. 

Canada headed back to the locker room at the half leading 54-49, but found themselves struggling to keep the lead in the second half as Mona Tateyama and Ufuoma Tanaka of Japan collected 11 rebounds apiece.

“We gave up way too many offensive rebounds and that stung against [Japan] that shoots the three’s so well,” said head coach Fabian McKenzie. 

However, Yvonne Ejim kept Canada in the game both offensively scoring 21 points and defensively with 9 rebounds and an outstanding 8 offensive rebounds. Ejim’s performance helped Canada make a late come back, leaving the two teams to go point-for-point throughout the final three minutes of the game. 

“I think we played really hard and really well and came back in the second half. Overall I think this is a really great learning experience for our team to get attuned with each other and continue to battle together,” said Ejim. 

Canada battled right up until the buzzer, but in the end a single point decided the game as Japan took the win 83-82.

Although a tough first loss, Canada remains determined as they return to the court tomorrow morning, August 8th at 8:00AM ET against the Czech Republic.

“For being out for a year and a half and only playing 6 practices together as a unit, I think we did a lot of great things and competed very hard,” said McKenzie. I’m looking forward to bouncing back tomorrow against the Czech Republic.”

All games at the FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup are streamed live and free on the FIBA YouTube Channel. The FIBA U19 Women’s Basketball World Cup 2021 in Hungary runs until August 15th.