RANCAGUA, Chile (July 25, 2023) - For the second-straight day, Canada’s 3x3 U23 National Teams both went 1-1, as each narrowly missed out on advancing to the Stop 2 Finals at the FIBA 3x3 U23 Nations League 2023 Americas on Monday in Rancagua, Chile.

Kiyara Letlow and Jessica Wisotzki each made their debuts for Canada’s 3x3 U23 Women’s National Team, joining Taya Hanson and Tara Wallack in Stop 2 action. 

Canada began the day with a narrow 16-12 defeat to USA, who began Nations League by winning Stop 1 on Monday, as Canada was unable to prevail in a back-and-forth battle. After being tied up 10-10 with 3:15 to go, USA closed the game on a 6-2 run to remain undefeated in Chile with a 16-12 victory.

Canada rebounded with a dominant 17-10 win over Puerto Rico in the second game of the day, as Taya Hanson led the way with eight points — including a trio of makes from beyond-the-arc.

Surrey, B.C.’s Tara Wallack recorded 10 points on the day after a pair of five-point performances.

Unfortunately for Canada, the loss to USA ended hopes of reaching the Final, as USA advanced out of the group before eventually claiming Stop 2 — their second Stop win in as many days.

Yohann Sam made his 3x3 U23 Men’s National Team for Canada, as he suited up alongside Cole Sylass, Aaron Rhooms and Gus Goerzen.

The Windsor Lancers guard had a team-high eight points for Canada in a convincing 21-13 win over Chile to begin the day. It was a well rounded scoring attack for Canada, as Rhooms chipped in five points of his own, while Sylass and Goerzen each registered four.

Canada wasn't able to continue their winning ways in the second game of the day. Despite a team-high eight points from Rhooms, Canada fell 19-18 to Venezuela — dashing the team's hopes of advancing to the Stop 2 Final.

Puerto Rico defeated Venezuela in the eventual Final, claiming their first Stop win of the Nations League. 

Canada is back in action on Wednesday in Chile, as Stop 3 of the Nations League event gets underway.

Canada’s women will share Pool B with United States and Puerto Rico. Game times are 2:50 pm ET / 11:50 am PT and 4:40 pm ET / 1:40 pm PT.

Canada’s men will take on USA and Argentina in Pool B play. Game times are 3:15 pm ET / 12:15 pm ET and 5:05 pm ET / 2:05 pm PT.

All of the action will stream live on the FIBA 3x3 YouTube Channel.

The FIBA 3x3 U23 Nations League 2023 Americas features six three-game tournaments in seven days, including daily pool play and a final. Teams earn tour standing points after each one-day event. The best-ranked team in the standings after the sixth day are declared winners of their conference and qualify for the FIBA 3x3 U23 Nations League Final taking place September 13-15 in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.