BOCAUE, PHILIPPINES (June 11, 2018) - Team Canada ended day two of the FIBA 3x3 World Cup 2018 with another pair of wins against the Philippines and Brazil to advance to the quarter-finals on Tuesday. Canada began the day with a 20-19 win over the host Filipino team, followed up by a 22-4 victory over No. 6 seed Brazil.

The victories will propel Canada to the quarter-final round, where they will take on the Netherlands from Pool A.

3x3 veteran Michael Linklater led the way for Canada on day-four of the World Cup, putting up a team-high nine points while Jermaine Bucknor and Michael Lieffers chipped in with five points each.

Click here for the Philippines box score.

Canada built up a strong lead against the host-country Philippines team, knocking down shots with regularity and beginning the game on an 11-4 run. However, the Philippines were soon fueled by their boisterous home crowd, going on a run of their own to take the lead late in the game. But despite the Filipino comeback effort, Linklater would eventually will Canada to the victory with a tough go-ahead basket as time ran out for the Philippines. The exciting back and forth affair ultimately ended with Canada walking away with a 20-19 victory.

Steve Sir and Michael Lieffers took charge of the scoring load in Canada's runaway victory over Brazil just over an hour later, scoring eight points apiece, with Sir connecting from long-range to ultimately put the game away. Linklater and Bucknor each chipped in three points to help the cause as Canada remains undefeated in the tournament.

Click here for the Brazil box score.

Team Canada was fueled by yet another quick start against Brazil, kicking the game off with a 6-1 run. Canada's seemed to gel almost perfectly throughout the game, as the pick-and-roll offered them scoring opportunities all game long. Canada would continue to produce on both ends of the floor for the remainder of the game, cruising to the 22-4 victory and a 4-0 record in the tournament.

Click here for full team roster.

QUOTES

"Today was a good day for us. Coming out of our pool 4-0 gives us some momentum going into quarter finals tomorrow. We had a hard fought battle against the home team.  I feel with each game we are getting better and better. That’s really important for us heading into playoffs against a tough team. We feel good about tomorrow’s game. We just need to focus on what we do best and play solid defence. If we do that we will be successful." - Michael Linklater

UP NEXT

Canada's pursuit of a FIBA 3x3 World Cup championship will continue on Tuesday as they will look to carry their momentum into the quarter-final round with a meeting against the Netherlands from Pool A.

For the latest updates regarding Canada Basketball and the 3x3 World Cup, follow Canada Basketball on Twitter.

For more information, contact:
Matt Walker, mwalker@basketball.ca

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