Canada edge France in women's 3x3 blockbuster at Paris Olympics
PARIS (France) - Canada overcame France 13-9 and silenced the rowdy home fans with a defensive masterclass to prevail in a blockbuster women's game at the Paris Olympics.
PARIS (France) - Canada overcame France 13-9 and silenced the rowdy home fans with a defensive masterclass to prevail in a blockbuster women's game at the Paris Olympics.
In a rematch of the 2022 World Cup final, it was a grinding battle but Canada's length frustrated France.
Canada are nicely placed at 3-1 after regrouping following a loss earlier in the day to China.
After consecutive defeats to open the tournament, France had breathed life into their campaign after beating Azerbaijan but could do little against Canada's frontline of the Plouffe sisters.
They started slowly against a determined Canada, who were keen to get back on track and looked to Katherine Plouffe, who feasted inside against smaller opponents to rack up four early points before France could blink.
France needed a spark and superstar Laetitia Guapo had the crowd on its feet after converting a beautiful reverse layup.
She then banked home a scoop as France inched closer but Canada were mostly able to restrict the driving lanes to limit the scoring.
France were made to work extra hard against the length of Canada's tall line-up - but the trickery of Hortense Limouzin and Marie-Eve Paget was occasionally up to the task.
It wasn't enough as Paige Crozon finished a tough play to shut the door on France and their fans.
Key Player: Katherine Plouffe's early scoring binge proved the difference and she also dominated the boards to finish with six rebounds in a commanding performance.
FIBA