CAN/RUS - Battling Canada fall to Russia

BEAUVAIS (FIBA Americas Championship/EuroBasket Women) - Canada dug themselves an early hole they weren't able to climb out of in their last game at the Tournoi International de Picardie à Beauvais.

Fresh off their victory over Belarus, the Canadians fell to a 71-66 defeat.

Russia stormed into a 32-13 lead in the second quarter before allowing Canada to nearly came all the way back.

Maria Stepanova, the Russia national team center, had 13 points for her team as they finished second in the event behind France.

The French were 73-61 winners against Belarus.

France will launch their title defense at the EuroBasket Women on Saturday in Poland.

Russia and Belarus are also taking part in the 16-team event with the side that wins booking a spot to the Olympics.

Those national teams that come in two through fifth will earn places in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament.

Should Britain, who have already got a place at the London Games, come in the top five, then a top-six finish would guarantee a spot in the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament.

Canada will play in the FIBA Americas Championship for Women in Colombia from September 24 to October 1.

FIBA