ANKARA, TURKEY – Canada (1-1) loses to Turkey (2-0) in their second of three preliminary games at the FIBA World Championship for Women.

With a sold out crowd on hand in Turkey to watch the host nation take on Canada, both teams were strong out of the blocks in the first half, with Turkey taking the slim advantage 24-22 at halftime.

“To play against the home team in the World Championships is a once in a lifetime experience.  To perform in that charged environment with that intensity is incredible and our players responded very well,” said Head Coach Lisa Thomaidis.

The third echoed the first two quarters of strong play but Turkey would take a five point lead mid-way through the period. Canada would go on a run of their own late to diminish the lead including a buzzer beating three to tie the game 31-31 heading into the deciding frame. Turkey managed to pull away from Canada in the fourth, outscoring them 24-13 and taking the win 55-44.

Canada was led by Kim Gaucher (Mission, BC) who finished with 9 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists, while Katherine Plouffe (Edmonton, AB) posted 9 points and 2 rebounds in the loss.

Thomaidis was proud of the way her team showed great effort and perseverance all four quarters. “We battled hard defensively.  We executed our game plan but when it came to crunch time, Turkey made their open shots and we didn’t make ours. We hung in there and it was a solid performance.”

“We’ll need that same focus and intensity for our next game against France.”
Canada will now face France to end their preliminary round games this Tuesday at 2:15pm ET live on NBATV Canada and tape-delayed on Sportsnet.
Full box score of Canada vs. Turkey: http://www.fiba.com/ls/#6242&BKW400B04

For the complete 2014 FIBA World Championship for Women schedule, go to http://www.basketball.ca/2014-fiba-world-championship-for-women-schedule-p156923.

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