(TORONTO, ON) - The U19 Women's National Team suffered a hard-fought loss to Belgium in their third round of action at the FIBA World Championship in Chekhov, Russia. This is the second loss for the team after falling to France on Sunday.

"We played a decent first half and just ran out of gas in the second half. Losing Bridget Atkinson at halftime was a crucial loss. We struggled to bring the ball up the floor. Belgium was fully deserving of the win as they made key plays and hit key shots in the second half," Head Coach Rich Chambers commented after the game.

The game started off evenly matched between the two teams. Canada finished the first period ahead of Belgium, 18-15. Canada would maintain the lead in the next period, ending the first half up by four points, 34-30.

Canada lost momentum in the third quarter. Stealing the lead with three minutes remaining in the period, Belgium ended the third ahead by five, 41-46. Belgium held on with a strong offensive finish in the fourth for a final score of 52-67.  

Bridget Carleton and Cheyenne Creighton led the scoring, chipping in 10 points each. Lauren Yearwood also played well in the loss, with 6 points, 2 assists. Emma Piggin contributed 9 rebounds and 6 points. For full box score, click here.

"We let this one slip away. We came out strong in the beginning, but lost it in the second half. We weren't able to make our shots and contain Belgium. They're a strong team and we weren't able to match them," player Bridget Atkinson added.

Canada's next game is July 22. Follow @CanBBall for updates on time and opponent.

For full U19 Women's National Team roster and coaching staff, click here.

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