UTSUNOMIYA, (May 4, 2024) - Canada's 3x3 Women's National Team went 1-1 in Day 2 action at the FIBA 3x3 Universality Olympic Qualifying Tournament on Saturday. After defeating the Netherlands 22-9 behind a nine-point, seven-rebound performance from Michelle Plouffe, Canada fell to a red-hot Australia squad 21-16 in their final game of group play.

Canada finished group play with a 2-1 record and will advance to the semifinals, along with Australia, out of Group B. Canada was second only to Australia in points scored during group play as Paige Crozon led all scorers with 24 points through three games.

Anneli Maley had nine points and seven rebounds for Australia in their win over the Canadians as they pulled away late to finally break free in a game that featured eight ties. Australia shot 5-for-12 from beyond the arc and 7-for-11 from inside while Canada had a rare off-performance from deep, making just 2-of-12 attempts from two.

For the first seven minutes of the game, things were extremely tight between the two teams as they traded baskets and stops. A two-pointer from Australia’s Alex Wilson broke a 14-all tie to give Australia the 16-14 advantage with 2:26 remaining.

Michelle Plouffe was fouled on a baseline drive and made a free throw to get Canada within two points with 59.6 seconds remaining, but Canada couldn’t get shots to fall in the final minute as Maley made a pair of free throws to give Australia the 20-16 lead with 20 seconds remaining. After a miss from Katherine Plouffe, Maley was fouled again with 9.89 seconds remaining. She closed the game at the line, giving Australia the 21-16 victory.

In Canada’s first game of the day, Paige Crozon was a perfect 3-for-3 from beyond the arc as Canada’s defence held the Netherlands to just one make in 12 attempts from long range. Crozon opened the game with a two-pointer to put Canada on the board. The Canadians never trailed in the game and used a 6-0 run to take a 15-5 lead.

When the Netherlands made a shot to stop Canada’s run, Plouffe immediately responded by hitting a two-pointer while being fouled. After making a pair of free throws to complete the four-point play, Canada led 19-6 with 2:10 remaining.

A baseline drive and score from Plouffe brought Canada within a point of the win. Crozon ended the game as she started it, drilling a two-pointer to give Canada the 22-9 victory.

Next up for the Canadians will be a meeting with Germany in the semifinals on Sunday morning at 4:20 a.m. ET / 1:20 a.m. PT.