SAN JUAN (Puerto Rico) - In what was one of the more competitive games of the tournament thus far, Brazil got revenge by topping Canada 87-82 in double overtime to earn third place in the FIBA Women’s AmeriCup 2021.

Clarissa Dos Santos and Taina Paixao both scored 19 points, while all three of Brazil’s other starters scored 10 points.

With the crowd behind them and a large differential in free throw shooting (73% to 47%), Brazil was able to overcome the four-point loss they suffered to Canada in the group stage. However, this result was anything but easy and certainly turned out to be a surprising one.
Canada is a three-time Women’s AmeriCup champion – including two in the last six years – and they were one of the strong favorites to earn gold in this year’s iteration. Canada’s size, athleticism, talent and speed created a strong case that they could challenge the toughest roster and unit in the event, the United States.

While they showed cracks in the first matchup with Brazil, they were still considered a championship contender backed by Laeticia Amihere, Shaina Pellington and Kayla Alexander.

Amihere and Alexander combined for 35 points in this third-place affair, but Pellington (12 points on 5-of-13 shooting) never really got going and the team’s third-leading scorer, Aislinn Konig, only put up 11 points in over 40 minutes of game action. Canada didn’t get enough from their best players – especially the guards – at the biggest moment.

For Brazil, they obviously would’ve loved to advance past the United States in the Semi-Finals, however, this will be considered a successful tournament for women’s hoops in their country. Dos Santos and Paixao were stars, not just in this particular matchup but throughout the entire event. Like Canada, their speed, height and strong skill in the starting lineup helped them match up perfectly against the best of the best, and will provide them with a boost of confidence heading into the World Cup qualifying.

 FIBA