Lithuania and Canada clinical on Day 1 of FIBA 3x3 Olympic Qualifying Tournament

DEBRECEN (Hungary) - Lithuania (Men) and Canada (Women) go 2-0 on Day 1 of the third FIBA 3x3 Olympic Qualifying Tournament 2024 in Debrecen, Hungary. 

THE TEAMS

Lithuania (Men)

The Lithuanians were close to clinching their spot in Utsunomiya at the start of May. They came out with strict intentions on Day 1 in Debrecen as they started off with a 21-13 victory over Madagascar. Sarunas Vingelis led his side in scoring with 9 to cap off a superb team effort. 

It was a close battle against Switzerland next with the Lithuanians coming out on top with a 21-18 result. A monster 13-point performance by Aurelijus Pukelis was the difference as they now head into their final Group game against Germany on Saturday with momentum. 

Canada (Women)

After a tough loss in the final last time out in Utsunomiya, Canada came in with a chip on their shoulder. They started their campaign off strong, a 21-11 victory over a gritty Chilean side. Michelle Plouffe was on-form with an 8 point and 4 rebound effort, supported by a combined eleven-point addition by Katherine Plouffe and Paige Crozon. 

Next up were the Lethal Lithuanians, led by Kamile Nacickaite. A closer game this time, the result stayed the same as the Canadians came away with a 19-16 win. The Plouffe sisters combined for 15 in a huge win. They finish off Group Play on Saturday against Czechia. 

THE PLAYERS

Jonathan Dubas (SUI)

The Swiss star was on an offensive tear on Day 1, starting off with a 10-point display in a winning effort against Germany. 

He kept his side in the game against Lithuania with another team-leading 10-point game. Switzerland will need their star man to continue on his red-hot form heading into their final group game on Saturday. 

Klaudia Papp (HUN)

The seasoned Klaudia Papp was on-fire in front of the home crowd, being the engine for her side as Hungary went 2-0 on Opening Day. A 6 point - 4 rebound game led to a 21-16 win to start off.

It was another huge performance as the side closed out a huge win against the Netherlands.

Papp is crucial to Hungary's success as they look to seal their Olympic ticket.

DAY 2

We see the other side of Group Play commence tomorrow as positions starts taking shape. More high-octane action coming up, tune in LIVE to the action!