(Toronto, Ont. August 28) – Canada’s Senior Women’s National Basketball team lost 55 - 52 to an experienced Czech team in the Czech International Tournament in Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad) Czech Republic.

“The first half of today's game was as strong a half of basketball as we've played in two years. However, the Czech Republic are a good team and we knew they would make a run in the second. We had three good possessions to close out the game but came away empty,” said Lisa Thomaidis, Head Coach.

“These close games are tremendous preparation for worlds and we are keeping our eyes keenly focused on the process of playing our best basketball in Turkey next month.”

Mission, BC’s Kim Gaucher was reflective on the exhibition games in Europe.

“A solid trip to Europe obviously not the results that we wanted but we are definitely getting better,” said Gaucher with 8 rebounds today for Canada. “I think that we are on track to peak for the worlds which is exactly what we want to do.”

Tamara Tatham (Brampton, Ont.) was Canada’s top scorer with 12 points followed by Miranda Ayim (London, Ont.) with 10 points.

Czech Republic’s Eva Vitteckova led all scorers with 15 points.

Canada led for the majority of the game.  Leading 25 to 11 at the end of the first quarter, 35 to 21 at half-time and 46 to 32 at the end of the third quarter only to fall to the #5 ranked Czechs in the final minute.  

Team Canada returns home to continue its preparation for the FIBA World Championships for Women beginning September 27th in Turkey.  Canada next plays an Exhibition game against Team USA on September 15th in Connecticut.

For Team Canada roster information, click here.

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