BRIDGEPORT, CT (September 8, 2018) - Canada's Senior Women's National Team fell to USA 74-68 on Saturday night to conclude a two-game exhibition series at Webster Bank Arena in Connecticut.
Click here for the box score.
Kia Nurse had a game-high 22 points , while Natalie Achonwa filled up the stats sheet with 10 points, a team-high 6 rebounds and 4 assists. Achonwa, who plays for the Indiana Fever (WNBA), also recorded two steals and two blocks. Nayo Raincock-Ekunwe added nine points in the loss.
For the second night in a row, Canada used an early run to help establish the lead. Canada scored eight unanswered points to build a 16-5 advantage and closed out the quarter with a 22-9 lead.
A back and forth second quarter saw Canada maintain a 12 point advantage heading into halftime, while limiting USA to just five field goals through 20 minutes of play.
USA responded in the second half, outscoring Canada 20-16 in the third to shrink the deficit to just eight points heading into the final quarter.
With Canada leading by 10 with 7:57 to play, the USA went on a 15-0 run to not only erase the deficit but take the lead on their way to the victory.
Click here for the roster.
QUOTES
"Obviously it was a battle out there and I think that was something that was great for us as a team. We've only had our 12 in the last two games we've played. To get that chemistry, to get that battle of this game itself, in a test like that, was great for us." - Kia Nurse
"Any time you get the chance to play against the world number one, it is a fantastic opportunity for our program and team, especially in our lead up to the World Cup." - Lisa Thomaidis
UP NEXT
With the conclusion of the two game series in Connecticut, the Senior Women's National Team will continue their preparation for the FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup 2018 with a three game exhibition series against USA, France and Senegal in Antibes, France (September 15-17).
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