(Photo:FIBA)

With today marking the opening day of competition at the FIBA 3x3 U18 World Championship in Spain, Canada had both a men’s and women’ team involved in the competition.

The men began the tournament with a tough match against Slovakia, but luckily Canada was able to get by 17-16. Canada carried momentum into their second game, where they easily disposed the team from the Netherlands, 20-5. Next was France, and again Canada found themselves in a tight game, but were once again able to pull through with a 20-17 win. To finish the day, they played the surprise team of the group, Belize. Canada wanted to maintain their perfect start and that they did by downing Belize, 18-14.

After the first day Canada holds top position in their group with a 4-0 record. Canada will finish the group stage tomorrow with games against China, New Zealand and Poland.

In the U18 men’s division, the first team of each group will advance to the quarterfinals, the second and third team of each group will play a preliminary heat, from which four teams will advance to quarterfinals.

(photo:FIBA)

On the women’s side, Canada started slow against Romania. In a low scoring game, Canada lost by a single point, 8-7. Next was England and again Canada was in a close match and unfortunately dropped another close decision, 15-13. In the final game of the day, Canada was able to dominate Andorra by winning 16-4.

Tomorrow the women’s team will finish out their group play with matches against Tunisia and Australia. After day 1, Canada has a 1-2 record. In the women’s U18 division, in order to qualify for the quarter-finals, Canada will need to place in the top two in their division.

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