DEBRECEN, HUNGARY (August 13, 2021) - Canada falls 72-61 to the number 3 ranked Australian team in the quarter finals at the FIBA U19 Women’s Basketball World Cup. 

Shayeann Day-Wilson led team Canada in scoring with 17 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists while Yvonne Ejim recorded her second double-double of the tournament with 10 points and 11 rebounds. 

Trailing the entire first half, Canada fought hard in the second quarter to come back into striking distance and tie the game 30-30 heading back to the locker rooms at halftime.

In the 3rd, Canada found their rhythm and took the lead with two clutch shots hit by Shayeann Day-Wilson. Emma Koebel, the youngest of the Canadian team, showed up with 8 points alongside Rosalie Mercille who contributed 7 points, 8 rebounds in the loss.

"We started off slow but battled back really hard. I'm really proud of the effort from the girls," said head coach Fabian McKenzie.

Unfortunately, excessive turnovers, fouls and lack of execution caused Canada to lose their lead, dropping the game to Australia 72-61. 

"It was a tough battle but we did all we could. We just made a few mistakes and couldn't get back from it," said Isaline Alexander after the game.

However, even after the loss, Canada is staying optimistic looking forward at the remaining games ahead of them this weekend.

"We've got two more games still so we're just looking forward to the next one to fight it out," Alexander said. "We still have two games left to regroup and wouldn't be a shame to go for 5th in the world so, that's where we're headed," added McKenzie.

Canada is back in action tomorrow morning at 5:30AM ET against the the losing team of the Mali and Russia quarter final game later today.

All games at the FIBA U19 Basketball World Cup are streamed live and free on the FIBA YouTube Channel. The FIBA U19 Women’s Basketball World Cup 2021 in Hungary runs until August 15th.