The top-seeded Canadian women’s 3x3 team went 2-0 in Day 1 action at the inaugural FIBA 3x3 AMERICUP 2021 in Miami, defeating ninth-ranked Puerto Rico 19-7, and then dominating in a 22-3 win against eighth-ranked Uruguay en route to earning a quarter finals berth.

“It’s so great to play with these ladies,” Paige Crozon said after Canada’s win against Uruguay. “We’ve been a team since 2019, been through highs and lows, both on the court and off the court. It’s been so great to battle with [these women] on the court and get two wins today.”

In Canada’s first game against Puerto Rico, Canada turned a 4-2 lead into a 10-2 lead in a flash, thanks to a pair of two-point shots from Catherine Traer. After another score from Traer, Crozon took the worst of a collision with Puerto Rico’s Ashley Torres, but was able to return to the court after being examined on the sideline. She wasted no time getting back into the groove, watching Michelle Plouffe hit a bucket and a foul shot to make it 17-5 Canada, before getting in on the action herself with a bucket of her own asCanada went on to take the game 19-7.

A few hours later, Canada was on the court again, this time facing Uruguay. Though the sun had set in Miami, the Canadian women were still quick to heat up from deep after Uruguay scored the first point in the game. A barrage of two-point shots, a steal, and back-to-back two-point shots from Plouffe extended Canada’s advantage to 12-1. After Plouffe found Crozon under the basket for a score, it was 13-1 for Canada.

As the Canadian women continued to roll, the men’s team had a great view of the game, sitting front row with their Canadian flags in hand to show their support and cheer on their fellow hoopers.

After more shots from long-range from Traer, Bosch and then Crozon, Canada led 19-1 before Uruguay hit its second shot of the game. They wouldn’t get to score again, though, as Plouffe scored to give Canada the 22-3 victory and a perfect 2-0 opening day record.

“It was a hard-fought battle,” Crozon said. “Very physical, but I’m very happy with how our team played defensively and then that translated to the offensive end of the court.

Up next for Canada will be quarterfinals action on Sun. Nov. 14, time and opponent TBA.

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