(Photo:FIBA)

In the first-ever FIBA 3x3 World Tour Final, Canada was well represented by the team from Edmonton. Jordan Baker, Dom Coward, Jarred Ogungbomi and Joel Friesen were all a part of the team that took their talents to South Beach to participate in the tournament they qualified for last month in New York City.

Edmonton had a strong start to the tournament. They began with a game against their rival Denver, who knocked them out of the New York City qualifier back in August. Edmonton was able to claim the win this time, as they squeaked by Denver, 17-15. Next was a match versus Vilnius (Lithuania) and Edmonton continued to roll as they won, 19-10. After day 1, Canada was 2-0 and atop of their group.

Day 2 was postponed due to poor weather, creating day 3 as a busy day for all teams in the tournament. To begin the day, Canada took on Moscow (Russia) and were able to carry over their momentum from day 1 to defeat Moscow, 20-14. On deck was Ljubljana (Slovakia) and Edmonton took care of business with a comfortable 21-4 win. Edmonton was supposed to round out group play with a game versus Vladivostok (Russia), but the team had to withdraw due to injuries. After the group stage, Canada finished atop the standings with a 5-0 record and earned a semi-final berth.

Joel Anthony came out to support Canada's 3x3 team

In the semi's, Edmonton played San Juan (Puerto Rico). In a close match from start to finish, Canada was down two points with little time left, but were shooting free-throws with a chance to tie the game. Unfortunately, Edmonton's first shot rattled out of the basket, giving them little choice but to purposely miss the next free-throw. Edmonton missed, but were unable to corral the rebound and the game ended 19-17 in favor of San Juan.

San Juan moved on to the finals where they took on Split (Croatia). In another tight affair, San Juan was able to get by late and win the inaugural FIBA 3x3 World Tour Finals, 20-16.

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