Recapping Canada on 3x3 AmeriCup Finals Day

The third and final day in Miami would see who would be making history as the inaugural champions of the FIBA AmeriCup.

Canada had so far impressed in both the men's and women's tournaments, with both teams going so far undefeated in the pool stage. This puts them in an advantageous situation heading into the knockout round; just two wins away from the final, the men's team first had to face the Dominican Republic and the women Mexico to get within reaching distance of the final.

In the men's quarter final, Canada were doing damage from two-point territory early on, with success in the low post giving them a five-point lead. The Dominicans then got creative, with some kamikaze plays closing the gap, they became bigger threat in the paint and went into the lead with time running down.

Canada had to come up with an immediate response: a two from Adika Peter-McNeilly made it a one-point game, but Diego Moquete extended the Dominican lead with a two-pointer. Ballas forced Canada into fouling, which sent him to the line, where he put up the shots he needed to bring the Dominicans to 21 points, ending Canada's run in Miami.

The women's team were now the only hope for Canada. In the first game Mexico worked hard on defence and tried to limit their chances, but the Canadians stamped their authority with nine unanswered points. Standout Paige Crozon was getting it done for Canada inside and out, while Mexico unable to create chances for themselves and were frequently kept from the basket. The final score line reflected proceedings, winning 20-6 Canada advance to face Brazil in the semi final.

The Brazilians' speed and hustle gave them an early lead. Michelle Plouffe created chances for herself and her team to build some momentum but Brazil extended their lead from beyond the arc. Canada tried to match them in kind but were still trailing entering the final stretch.

Monopolizing possession and forcing Canada into mistakes, Brazil controlled the final minute of play, not allowing any more chances for the Canadians. In doing so Canada's title hopes came to an end, the top seeds eliminated after an emphatic 20-13 defeat by Brazil.

There was still one last chance for the women's team to bow out with glory, if they were able to win the bronze medal game against fellow losing semi-finalists Puerto Rico. Both teams in their first possessions were boxed out hard, the first points not going down until almost two minutes had passed, going the way of the Puerto Ricans.

There were then saw some role reversals: Crozon and Kacie Bosch picked up points inside while Plouffe kept hitting from the outside, this combination putting Canada into the lead. Puerto Rico's outside shooters tied the scores, Canada responded with six points unanswered. Annelise Vargas kept causing problems for the Canadians put shots both in and outside from Crozon followed by another jumper from Plouffe sealed the 18-12 win for Canada, who would be going home with the bronze medal.

USA versus Brazil was the final in both the men's and women's tournaments and in both cases the result was the same: big wins for the Americans. Taking home the title, USA players Charles Brown Jr and Brionna Jones were named respective MVP of the men's and women's tournaments, in the latter Michelle Plouffe was named to the all-tournament team along with Sassa of Brazil.

While neither team came away with the exact prize they wanted, amongst a tough field in Miami, Canada did well to come away with one bronze, the first team to medal in 3x3 AmeriCup history. Check out the official FIBA website for all results and more on the AmeriCup.