Canada's Women’s 3x3 Team Claim Gold At FIBA AmeriCup

Paige Crozon named 2024 FIBA 3x3 Americup MVP after winning gold for Canada

Summary:

  • The Canadian women’s 3×3 basketball team clinched the FIBA AmeriCup title with a 19-18 overtime victory against the U.S.
  • Katherine Plouffe scored 11 points, including the game-winning basket.
  • The men’s team took home bronze after a 21-16 victory over the Dominican Republic. 

Katherine Plouffe delivered a clutch performance to secure Canada’s gold medal victory in the FIBA 3×3 AmeriCup, basketball tournament held in San Juan, Puerto Rico. 

The Edmonton native scored 11 points, including the decisive basket in overtime, lifting Canada over the United States 19-18 in a thrilling championship showdown.

Unbeaten in Puerto Rico

Canada’s unbeaten women’s squad, featuring Paige Crozon (30) from Humboldt, Saskatchewan, Saicha Patricia Grant-Allen (29) from Hamilton, and Lethbridge’s Kacie Bosch (28), proved its relentless skill and determination throughout the entire tournament. 

The girls had no problem overcoming Cuba in the quarterfinals and defeating Brazil in the semifinal before facing their toughest test against the Americans in the final. 

The game was more of a physical battle, with both teams exchanging blows until Abigail Hsu’s late two-pointer tied the match and forced overtime. 

However, 32-year-old Plouffe, a former world No. 1, rose to the occasion and sealed the win for Canada.

The women’s bronze medal game featured a dramatic finish, with Brazil edging out host nation Puerto Rico 17-16. Luana de Souza’s (33) clutch two-pointer late in the game secured the win for the Brazilians.

Canada’s Paige Crozon (pictured) (30) was a dominant force, leading all women in both points (46) and Player Value (59.3). 

Her stellar performance earned her the MVP award and a spot on the Women’s Team of the Tournament, alongside Brittney Sykes (30) from the USA and Brazil’s Gabriella Soares (31).

Men’s Team Wins Bronze 

On the men’s side, Canada claimed the bronze medal with a 21-16 victory over the Dominican Republic. 

The team included sharpshooter 42-year-old Steve Sir from Edmonton, Jerome Desrosiers (27) from Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec, Marek Klassen (32) from Vancouver, and Torontonian Grant Audu (26). 

Desrosiers and Audu combined for 14 points, continuing their strong offensive form, while Sir’s experience further attracted the team’s success.

Overall, Team USA dominated the men’s final after streamlining their path to the final with an unbeaten record, facing off against host-nation powerhouse Puerto Rico. 

The latter also entered the showdown undefeated, leading to an electric clash as both teams were seen delivering standout performances. 

With the U.S. leading 19-18, Dylan Travis (31) sealed the game with a clutch two-pointer, securing a 21-18 victory and the gold medal for Team USA.

Henry Caruso’s standout performances earned him MVP honors. The 29-year-old scored 26 points during the tournament and led in Player Value with 44.5. 

Joining him on the Men’s Team of the Tournament were Puerto Rico’s Angel Matias (32) and Canada’s Steve Sir.

Author Hello, My name is Ava. I am a keen sports enthusiast and enjoying not only watching but also playing a variety of them throughout the year. Ones that I particularly enjoy are reflected in the posts I tend to write about, stemmed from my experience in college athletics, coverage for the NBA and keen attendee...