3x3 Women's Series in Montreal - Day Two Report

This was where it all mattered for the 3x3 Women's tournament in Montreal. Canada had emerged from a stacked pool stage and now had a chance to win their first FIBA title of 2021 on home ground and in front of home fans.

Spain and the USA had both got a pass to the semi-finals on day one, while Canada was one of four teams who had to fight to stay in the competition. Only two of these teams would emerge from the elimination round and become semi-finalists themselves. If the Canadian team - made up of Paige Crozon, Catherine Traer, Rashida Timbilla and Christina Buttenham - could first overcome Germany, they would be one step away from the Montreal final.

Day two got underway for Canada late in the afternoon and Germany were hot on their heels after taking an early three-point lead. Germany twice tied the scores but found it hard to go further with Buttenham interrupting their rhythm from close range and Crozon repeatedly extending the Canadian lead from beyond the arc.

Germany though would not go down without a fight and put up four points in a row, levelling the scores ahead of the final minutes. Coming to the rescue for Canada was Timbilla, who was on hand to make the two game-winning shots which sent Canada through to the semi finals with the 17-15 win over Germany.

Canada advanced to meet Spain for the second time in as many days. The Spanish had defeated them on day one, a result no one was wanting a repeat of, now with far more on the line.

After a stilted start Timbilla started to find her rhythm, the only problem was so did Vega Gilmeno for Spain, whose lead was equalised by Timbilla from the line not long after Canada fell behind. High pressure defence from both teams made it hard for the other to get their shots to drop at the mid-point, but Spain were able to hold on to a slender lead which became four points following a 5-1 run.

Buttenham had a chance to close the gap from the free-throw line but came up short, then Traer and Timbilla hit open looks in the paint to put them within two of Spain. However, more creative play, better shot selection monopolizing possession would be what separated Spain from Canada and see them run home to victory in the final stretch.

Closing out this match-up 17-13, Spain ended home town hopes and moved on to the final at Canada's expense. It was disappointment for Canada to fall short of their home title or even the final, but they bowed out with the second-best rebounding average after Austria and Timbilla the second-highest scorer of the tournament.

Elsewhere, an amazing story unfolded for one of the underdog teams. Austria controlled the pace of their quarter final against Poland and having been down by four, went on a 7-1 run to the final buzzer and the 10-8 win. From here they faced the USA and after being on the back foot for much of the way pulled out a late scoring run which saw them shock the world, laying waste to the Americans 17-15 and earning a place in the final.

Unfortunately the fairy tale could not be completed as Spain stamped their authority in the final and with victory over the Austrians 18 points to 15 took home the Montreal crown. At the end of the tournament there was no word on whether Canada has done enough to reach the series final, but it being only two weeks away it should be confirmed soon. Check out for updates on and more on this Montreal tournament over on the official FIBA 3x3 website.

Picture Credit: FIBA3x3.com