PARIS, France (July 31, 2024) - The Canadian Women’s 3x3 Team won their second straight game in Paris, taking down No. 1 seed China 21-11.

Paige Crozon scored seven points, and Michelle Plouffe added seven points and five rebounds. Canada shot 5-for-12 from beyond the arc and outrebounded China 15-10, including 4-2 on the offensive glass.

It was the second straight victory for the Canadians and a dominant effort from start to finish as Canada’s defence helped force China into 10 turnovers in the game.

“It’s a great start, super grateful, I think we’re doing awesome,” Katherine Plouffe said. “First of all, we’re making history in a lot of different ways. [It] feels good to get two Olympic wins off the bat in our first Games ever so I’m really excited.”

A two-pointer from Crozon opened the scoring. On Canada’s next possession, Crozon drove to the rim for a layup to make it a 3-0 lead for Canada to start.

Mingling Chen made a free throw to get China on the board, but Canada quickly responded as Crozon assisted Katherine Plouffe on a drive. After a block from Bosch, Crozon connected on her second two-pointer of the game to extend Canada’s lead to five, 6-1. Lili Wang hit China’s lone two-pointer of the game, but a two from Michelle Plouffe kept Canada in front by four.

Plouffe found a cutting Bosch for a layup, and then Bosch threw up a shot from deep to beat the shot clock, beating everyone to the basket to grab her own rebound and score inside. Canada’s hustle and defence was on display from the first seconds of the game.

“I think we’re so versatile in our game that defence is going to take away something but give up something else,” Katherine Plouffe said.

Free throws from Michelle Plouffe extended Canada’s advantage to eight with 3:47 remaining. Back-to-back buckets for Katherine Plouffe gave Canada an 18-9 lead. A two from Crozon, her third of the game, brought Canada to 20 points, and Katherine Plouffe quickly stole the ball before finding Michelle Plouffe under the basket for the 21-11 victory.

One day after Bosch named the venue at Place de la Concorde one of the most beautiful that the team has ever played in, Canada was feeling the love from the crowd during Wednesday’s game.

“They’re awesome,” Katherine Plouffe said. “So many family and friends out to support us and just so good seeing Canadian flags in the crowd. People love basketball here, people from all different countries are cheering for good plays so that’s what’s awesome about the game.”

Canada will now play two games in pool play on Thursday, Aug. 1. They begin the day against Germany at 3:30 a.m. ET/12:30 a.m. PT and then finish the day against host team France at 4 p.m. ET/1 p.m. PT.