Unforgettable AmeriCup Moments: Canada make it back to the top
MIAMI (United States) - As part of the build-up, we remember when Canada realized their goal of a first FIBA Women's AmeriCup title in Edmonton, Ontario.
MIAMI (United States) - The countdown to the FIBA Women's AmeriCup 2021 is on.
As part of the build-up, we look back at one of the tournament's unforgettable moments, when Canada captured the title for the first time in two decades in front of their roaring fans in Edmonton.
Canada reach the summit - finally
The stakes could not have been higher for Canada in 2015 at the FIBA Women's AmeriCup. A talented team had its best chance of winning the tournament for the first time in a long time. Canada had also lifted the title in Hamilton in 1995 and qualified for the Atlanta Olympics.
A championship in 2015 would also clinch a spot in the Rio de Janeiro Games and leave no doubt that Canada had one of the best teams in international basketball.
On home soil in Edmonton, Canada, after brushing aside Puerto Rico, Chile, the Dominican Republic, Cuba and Brazil to reach the Final, once again had to overcome the Cubans to lift the title.
“IT WAS EXACTLY WHAT I HAD DREAMED. WHEN THE CROWD WAS CHANTING, 'RIO', AT THE END OF THE GAME AND YOU'RE TRYING TO HOLD BACK TEARS … THIS WAS A ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME OPPORTUNITY.”
The two countries had met in the big game before. Cuba beat Canada in Mexico, 79-71, in 2013. When Canada won in 1995, they also beat Cuba in the Final.
Before a boisterous and packed Saville Community Sports Centre, Cuba twice led by eight points in the opening quarter, only for Canada to storm back and take a 45-38 advantage to half-time.
Cuba outscored Canada 12-5 at the start of the third quarter to go in front, 50-49. But Canada responded with a 14-2 run and stayed on top the rest of the way.
Canada won the title at home and qualified for the Rio de Janeiro Olympics
There were unforgettable scenes as Canada celebrated. Kia Nurse was named MVP of the event and was joined in the All-Star Five by Tamara Tatham.
"It was exactly what I had dreamed," said Kim Gaucher, one of the team's captains, of winning the title before her own fans. "When the crowd was chanting, 'Rio', at the end of the game and you're trying to hold back tears and keep composed because there's 90 seconds left to play, what an unbelievable experience. This was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."
FIBA