Powerhouse Canada make early season statement at FIBA 3x3 W Series Springfield Stop 2024

SPRINGFIELD (USA) - Canada edged rival USA in a thrilling final to launch the FIBA 3x3 W Series 2024 in style during a pulsating Springfield Stop on April 23-24. 

Here's what happened.

The winner: Canada

The No.1 seed lived up to top billing with an unforgettable campaign, winning all five games. It was a star-studded Canada team featuring the same members who have won so many titles in recent seasons. 

They had the Plouffe sisters dominating the paint, while Kacie Bosch and Paige Crozon were dynamic side-kicks. 

Canada impressively rolled through pool play although were given a fright from host Springfield (USA), before a more comfortable semi-final victory in the return bout. 

It set-up a mouth-watering final between North American heavyweights Canada and USA in a game loaded with stars. But the Plouffe sisters were unstoppable and combined for 15 points and they were soon singing 'Oh Canada' all night long. 

The runner-up: USA

Reigning World Cup champs USA were within an inch of a title. Nothing satisfies the hoops title other than Ws, but USA still provided many memorable moments. 

They stormed through to the final with their highlight being an impressive victory in pool play over powerhouse France in a rematch of last year's World Cup final. 

USA were almost impossible to score against with LA Sparks young gun Cameron Brink enjoying her personal block party. 

USA flexed their muscles with a beatdown of powerful Germany in a 21-9 semi-final thrashing. They entered the final full of confidence before falling short in an epic contest against Canada. 

While they will be disappointed, USA will know the season is a marathon and the red, white and blue will be particularly pleased with the eye-catching performance of 3x3 debutant Rhyne Vanycia Howard, who finished No.1 overall in player-value (44.7) and points (36). 

The Final: Canada 20-USA 18

It was the dream final and these rivals did not disappoint as they traded blows in a furious start. Michelle Plouffe went bang, but the USA unleashed their firepower with scoring machine Hailey Van Lith splashing from downtown to give her team the early lead.

Canada needed to hit back and Katherine Plouffe answered with a couple of buckets, but USA kept the edge with Van Lith showing off her fancy footwork on this eye-catching half-court. 

Canada again looked to the Plouffe sisters, who scored three quick points to take the lead as the teams went back and forth. Nothing separated them and you just knew this would go down to the wire. 

It came down to which team could handle the pressure with the scores tied at 17 inside the final minute. Up stepped Paige Crozon, who splashed a two from the left side before OG Cierra Burdick responded with a tough bucket down low. 

Fittingly it was Katherine Plouffe who made the final basket to cap a triple-five and an MVP performance. 

Final Standings:
1. Canada
2. USA
3. Germany
4. Springfield (USA)
5. France

Next Stop: The W Series will journey to the Marseille Masters on May 29-30. 

FIBA