Shanghai, China (May 17, 2025) – Canada’s 3x3 women’s national team captured its first FIBA 3x3 Women’s Series stop win of the 2026 season, defeating Amsterdam 19-17 in overtime in Shanghai.

Merissah Russell was named tournament MVP after leading the competition with 33 points, while also topping the field in two-pointers made (8) and player value (45.6).

The final saw a matchup against Amsterdam who jumped out to a 4-1 lead before Canada responded behind strong play from Russell and Paige Crozon. Canada took a 9-6 advantage midway through the game, but Amsterdam answered with a late surge to move ahead 15-11.

Canada rallied again, reclaiming a 17-16 lead in the final seconds before Amsterdam forced overtime. Russell converted two free throws in the extra period to lift Canada to a 19-17 victory.

Canada entered the tournament looking to repeat as champions after winning the 2025 Women’s Series title in Shanghai the year prior.

The team opened pool play with a 19-13 victory over Yanjing behind a strong performance from Tara Wallack with seven points and three rebounds. In her debut at a FIBA 3x3 Women’s Series stop, Russell added six points, and three rebounds.

Canada then went on to defeat Austria 16-10 behind Katherine Plouffe’s five points and five rebounds. The result put Canada first in Pool B and through to the quarterfinals. 

In the quarterfinal, Canada cruised past Thailand 21-14 to set up a matchup with Beijing in the semis. Russell scored a game-high nine points along with five rebounds to help Canada to a dominant 21-11 semifinal win, putting them through to the finals against Amsterdam.

After the win, Russell reflected on the team’s performance and the opening stop of the summer, calling it a strong way to begin the season.

“The Women’s Series stop was amazing and a great way to start off the summer season. We played against a lot of tough teams and had a gritty win against a top team in Amsterdam in the finals.”

She also spoke to the experience of competing alongside Canada’s veteran core.

“Playing with players like Katherine [Plouffe] and Paige [Crozon] is such an amazing opportunity because they are not only great players but amazing leaders and teachers… I had so much fun playing with them and always have so much fun representing my country at the highest level.”

Plouffe delivered a strong all-around performance, finishing the tournament first in rebounds (24), second in player value (36.8) and assists (11), and third in tournament scoring (27 points).

Crozon and Wallack finished 11th and 12th in overall player stats, putting up 19 and 17 points, respectively. All four Canadians also finished top 10 in rebounds.

Canada will turn its attention next to the FIBA 3x3 World Cup 2026 in Warsaw, Poland from June 1-7, looking to improve on a bronze medal performance at last year’s event. 

The roster will be announced at a later date.