SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (Dec. 13, 2024) – Canada’s 3x3 Women’s National Team remained undefeated in group play at the FIBA 3x3 Women’s AmeriCup 2024, securing their spot in the quarterfinals on Sunday with a 2-0 record to top Group B.

Game 1: Canada 20, Jamaica 15 (box score)

The early minutes belonged to the Plouffe-Crozon connection. Crozon’s stifling defence forced a turnover that led to an easy finish inside for Katherine Plouffe, setting the tone at 1-1. Plouffe, dominant in the paint, tallied eight points and six rebounds, scoring exclusively at the rim or from the free-throw line.

Saicha Grant-Allen, a key defensive presence, made her impact early with her size and strength. The Hamilton, Ont., native, returning from last year’s bronze-medal squad, showcased her defensive prowess with a critical two-hand block at 11-11, preventing Jamaica from taking their first lead.

Canada’s lockdown defence created repeated shot-clock violations, and a two-pointer from the top of the key by Crozon pushed Canada to an 8-3 lead. Jamaica rallied late, capitalizing on Canada’s missed free throws to tie the game at 10-10. 

However, Canada regained control. 

A spin move by Plouffe drew Jamaica’s seventh foul, giving Canada much-needed opportunities at the charity stripe.

Grant-Allen came through with a decisive two-point play late in the game, while Crozon’s relentless hustle secured key jump balls. Kacie Bosch sealed the win with the final bucket, cleaning up a Crozon miss to cement the 20-15 victory.

“It was the first time that this group of four players had played together so I thought we did a really good job of finding our rhythm and finding the strengths within our team and the actions that went really well," said Crozon - who mentioned that she thought the team showed "toughness" against Jamaica.

Game 2: Canada 21, Mexico 6 (box score)

In the second and final game of group play, Canada wasted no time heading towards the finish line. All four players found the scoresheet within the first few minutes, as Canada raced to an 11-2 lead.

Crozon was the catalyst, scoring five of Canada’s first eight points and finishing with a team-high 11 points. Her precision shooting from beyond the arc fueled Canada’s quick-paced attack, including the final dagger to secure the 21-6 win.

Plouffe added five points and four rebounds, capping her performance with a crucial cut inside to give Canada a commanding 19-5 lead with two minutes remaining.

With the win, Canada sweeps Group B with an undefeated 2-0 record, advancing to the quarterfinals, where they will face Cuba.

Canada v.s. Cuba is set for Sunday, December 15, at 3:20 p.m. EST / 4:20 p.m. local.

“A strength of this team and team Canada Basketball is just how committed we are to our defensive schemes and our defensive game plan. We rely heavily on being able to stop the ball and being disruptive to the other team’s offence – so I think that’s something that we always want to carry with us, no matter who we’re playing with," said Crozon.

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