This article was last updated on April 16, 2022
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The first-ever FIBA 3×3 Youth World Championship in Rimini, Italy got started today with both Canadian teams getting off to fast starts. Both teams won their first game of the day, en route to the boys finishing with a record of 3-2 and the girls at 2-2 after the first day of competition.
The boys were able to score at will in their opener, beating Nepal 21-9. The game ended before the end of regulation time due to Canada scoring a maximum of 21 points in the contest. Marko Pirovic (Bolton, ON) scored a game-high eight points. Patrick Steeves (Montreal, QC) added five; while Dyshawn Pierre (Whitby, ON) and Jordan Whyte (Calgary, AB) had four each.
In their second game of the day, the boys matched up against New Zealand. The boys jumped out to an 8-4 lead after the first half, but New Zealand stormed back in the second five minute frame to force overtime. In overtime, New Zealand continued the momentum to take the win away from Canada, 14-11. Pirovic was the high man again for Canada with four points.
The boys bounced back in their third game of the day to beat England 18-15. The boys came out firing to take an 11-6 halftime lead. On the strength of 11 points from Pierre, the boys were able to hold on for their second win of the day.
The boys continued to ride their momentum against Latvia, going up 11-6 after the first half. The scoring did not stop in the second half, as the game had to be halted for the second time of the day, due to Canada scoring 21 points in the match. Canada held Latvia to 11. Pirovic had another eight point performance, while Pierre added seven.
In the final game of the day, the boys faced Turkey and took a 10-7 lead at halftime. However, in the second half, Turkey began to claw back, eventually tying the game. With seconds to go, Turkey hit a jumper at the buzzer to seal the win, 14-13.
On the girls’ side, the pair from Ajax, Ontario, Dakota Whyte and Taijah Campbell scored four points each helping Canada get off on the right foot by beating Tunisia 11-8 to start the tournament.
The girls continued their winning ways with a 13-8 victory over Greece. Paige Crozon (Humboldt, SK) led the way offensively for Canada, scoring five points. Campbell chipped in with four and Isidora Purkovic (Calgary, AB) and Whyte added two.
In a game that could be seen live on FIBATV.com, Canada’s girls got off to a strong start against England, leading 3-2 at halftime. The two teams seesawed in the second half, and with the game tied at seven with seconds remaining, England was able to hit a last second jumper to steal the game, 8-7. Whyte led the way for Canada with four points.
The girls’ final opponent was Australia, who they led 6-4 after the first half. However, Australia rallied in the final five minutes to hand Canada their second loss in a row, 15-9. Purkovic and Whyte combined for eight points in the game as Canada finished day one of the tournament at 2-2.
Both teams end preliminary round action tomorrow in Rimini with the boys playing Romania (6:00 am ET/3:00 am PT), Japan (7:20 am ET/4:20 am PT) and Germany (9:50 am ET/6:50 am PT). The boys’ game against Japan can be seen live on FIBATV.com. The girls’ lone game is against Russia (6:40 am ET/3:40 am PT).
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