RIO DE JANEIRO (2016 Rio Olympic Games) - If Canada's bench can continue stepping up the way it did in Monday's hard-fought 71-67 win against Serbia, the Rio Olympics could become a game-changer in their basketball history.

"That win says a lot about our character of this team." - Nirra Fields

Against the European champions, Canada head coach Lisa Thomaidis turned to Nirra Fields and Kia Nurse to come off the bench and rescue the North Americans from an 18-point deficit to stay undefeated in two games. 

The triumph over Serbia was so significant that, if Canada can beat Senegal on Wednesday, they will set an Olympics record for most wins at a Women's Olympic Basketball Tournament. They have never taken more than 2 victories in one edition of the competition.

Four years ago, at the London Olympics, Canada reached the Quarter-Finals but returned home with a 2-4 mark.

Now, they are 2-0 and things are looking very good for 22-year-old Fields, Nurse, 20, and Co.

Fields and two-time Olympian Kim Gaucher talked to FIBA.com. 

FIBA.com: Nirra, You've been credited for coming off the bench and changing the game against Serbia. You finished with 8 points and also disrupted the Serbians offensively and defensively. How did you manage to stay so composed in such a critical moment of the game?
Fields: Long break on the bench. So, you have a lot of energy coming into the game. The starting five were probably tired..coming in with fresh legs, I was just trying to use to best of my ability. I feel great. Just came in, trying to make an impact, and we got the win.

FIBA.com: Has the coaching staff asked you to do anything specific when you enter the game?
Fields: Just be disruptive. They know I am quick. I just tried really pressure the ball handler, making her get out of rhythm, and create chaos, that was my job coming in.

FIBA.com: Now that your team is 2-0, what else can be expected from this team?
Fields: That win says a lot about our character of this team. We were 18 down the whole game and got the W.

FIBA.com: Kim, as one of the team's veterans, can you talk about the performances of Nirra and Kia against Serbia?
Gaucher: Our bench did a great job, specifically Nirra. She came in and changed the momentum of the game for us. Obviously, Kia also had a good game, but I think when Nirra came in she gave us such a spark offensively and defensively.

FIBA.com: How significant is this win for Canada?
Gaucher: Every win is a good win, and every win is a big win. It’s great for us to get this done, but we are up to the next one.

FIBA