BOCAUE, PHILIPPINES (June 9, 2018) - Team Canada team kicked off the FIBA 3x3 World Cup 2018 with a pair of victories over Mongolia and Russia on Saturday morning to finish day one of the tournament with a 2-0 record. Canada began the day with a 21-15 win over Mongolia, followed by a 20-17 victory over No. 3 Russia.

With the pair of wins, Canada will look to continue this momemtum as they move on to face the host Filipino team followed by a matchup with No. 6 Brazil on Monday morning.

Steve Sir led the way for Canada in their Canada's FIBA 3x3 World Cup 2018 debut, pouring in nine points while hitting four shots from beyond the arc. Jermaine Bucknor, Michael Lieffers, and 3x3 veteran Michael Linklater each made their mark, scoring four points each in the win.

Click here for the full Mongolia box score.

After falling behind 8-0 to Mongolia to begin the game, Canada battled back soon after with a 14-1 run of their down to build a lead of their own. Neither team found a way to pull ahead decisively for much of the game, but Canada would go on one final run, capped off with a long-range shot from Steve Sir, to give them an eventual 21-15 victory over Mongolia.

Steve Sir once again led the offense for Team Canada in their game against Russia.  Sir totalled 12 points off of 4 1-point conversions, 3 2-point conversions and 2 free throw conversions.  Next up on the stat sheet for Team Canada was Michael Lieffers who was efficient in the paint, getting 4 of his 5 points from close range.

Click here for the Russia box score.

Canada stayed on top for a majority of the game against Russia.  Solid defense and consistent shooting held Russia just short of taking the lead until the last 3 minutes of the game.  In a very contested and defensive heavy game, despite Russia's final push for the lead, Canada was able to remain on top and seal the victory, 20-17 at the end of regulation.

Click here for full team roster.

QUOTES

Steve Sir: "Winning when you are representing your country in 3x3 for the first time is something special"

UP NEXT

Canada's pursuit of a FIBA 3x3 World Cup championship will continue this Monday as they look to sweep Pool C with matchups against the Philippines and Brazil.

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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