EDMONTON (Canada) - Host Canada were unstoppable in front of their passionate fans to power to the title at the FIBA 3x3 Women's Series Edmonton Stop on August 1-2. Here's what happened at the 11th stop of the season. The winner: Canada
Canada are an OG on the WS, but we had only seen them on two Stops this season as they geared up for the World Cup. Having won bronze at the World Cup, it was time to focus on the WS with the Canadians needing some value points to rise up the W Series ladder.
Willed on by their passionate fans, Canada received the full 100 points after claiming their first title of the season. They were unstoppable during an unblemished campaign, powering from strength to strength in an ominous warning as the business end of the season looms.
Canada were tested first up after being pushed to the brink by Seattle 3XBA (USA) before impressively clicking into gear in a rout of Carolina (PUR).
They survived an almighty challenge from emerging Great Britain in the quarters before thrashing fellow power France in a one-sided semi-final, where superstar Katherine Plouffe patrolled the paint with 9 points and 8 rebounds.
Plouffe again dominated down low against Spokane 3XBA (USA) in the final as the jubilant players and their fans sang 'Oh Canada' deep into the night.
The victory capped off a special event, with Canadian 3x3 legend Michelle Plouffe having received an emotional tribute after she recently announced her retirement.
The runner-up: Spokane 3XBA (USA)
What a season debut for the Americans, who made a mockery of their 10th seed to reach the final. They were raring to go and ousted Olympic gold medalist Germany to start their giant-killing run, which also included a semi-final thrashing of Netherlands U25.
Along the way, Spokane 3XBA dismantled Slovakia and also showcased they had nerves of steel to edge Toronto in a quarter-final classic.
Aaronette Vonleh was a certified bucket getter to finish with 41 points to top the scoring charts.
The Final: Canada 21-Spokane 3XBA 15 (USA)
Top seed Canada entered as warm favorite, but were wary against the new kids on the block. The Americans were undaunted with Serena Sundell going bang to get them off to a flyer.
Canada went almost the first minute without a bucket before going to a reliable source, with Katherine Plouffe nailing the jumper from close range to get them going.
Kacie Bosch and Serena Sundell traded buckets and the scores were level at the halfway point, with neither team able to break away.
Canada again looked to Plouffe, who came up clutch with four quick points before scoring machine Saicha Grant-Allen finished it off as the home side finally outlasted their gritty opponent.
Plouffe and Grant-Allen proved their scoring talent under pressure, while MVP Paige Crozon was the glue to hold it all together as Canada celebrated a first title on this season's W Series.
Final Standings: 1. Canada 2. Spokane 3XBA (USA) 3. Netherlands U25 4. France 5. Seattle 3XBA (USA) Next Stop: The W Series will journey to Bordeaux on August 20-21.
FIBA