Canada’s eyes were set on gold at the women’s 3×3 basketball World Cup.
It moved one step closer to that goal on Thursday, beating Mongolia and Hungary to win its pool and earn a direct berth into Saturday’s quarterfinals in Vienna, Austria.
In its tournament debut in 2022, Canada earned silver before ripping through the Women’s Series season en route to a championship.
The Canadians’ push to upgrade that silver hit a road bump Tuesday with an opening upset loss to the Czech Republic and an early 7-1 hole against the U.S. But Canada went on to beat the Americans, and left nothing to chance in its final group-stage tilts.
In a 21-9 win over Mongolia, Canada’s Paige Crozon caught fire from beyond the arc, making three two-pointers as she poured in a team-leading 11 points. Michelle Plouffe added six points on 4/4 shooting.
WATCH | Canada crushes Mongolia:
Watch Canada face Mongolia at the 2023 FIBA Women’s 3×3 World Cup in Vienna.
Against Hungary, a 7-1 run in the middle stages of the game propelled the Canadians to a 21-11 blowout. Plouffe led the team with eight points, while her sister Katherine Plouffe and Crozon each chipped in six.
Ahead of the tournament, the team was handed a boost with the hiring of longtime national team player Kim Gaucher as its first-ever head coach last week.
Canada’s potential quarterfinal opponents will be determined with the final group-stage matches later Thursday.
Live coverage of the entire tournament is available on CBCSports.ca, the CBC Sports app and CBC Gem.
Medal games are slated for Sunday.
WATCH | Canada tops Hungary:
Watch Canada face Hungary at the 2023 FIBA Women’s 3×3 World Cup in Vienna.
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