June 28, 2010
Canada/Chile Box Score
Canada/Brazil Box Score
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Basketball.ca) - Coming off its 50-49 heartbreaking loss to Brazil in the semifinals, Canada's Junior Women's National Team (JWNT) rebounded to capture bronze as they defeated Chile 81-42 in the third-place match of the FIBA Americas U18 Championship on Sunday. Wumi Agunbiade scored four points and pulled down three rebounds in the victory. The Canadians' showing also qualified them for the 2011 FIBA U19 World Championship in Chile.
The U.S. won the gold medal by overwhelming Brazil 81-38.
Laura Dally (Brights Grove, Ont.) led the Canadian squad with 13 points, shooting 4-of-8 from the floor. Melissa Mullins (Burlington, Ont.) and Katherine Plouffe (Edmonton) added 12 points apiece.
The Canadians got off to a slow start in the first quarter, leading by just three, 11-8, at the end of the period. However, they outscored the South Americans 70-34 in the final three quarters. They continued to go inside as they outscored Chile 36-10 in the paint.
"After a very tough first quarter, the girls increased their intensity and got into some flow on offence. We started to finish better, made some outside shots and free throws," said JWNT Head Coach Rich Chambers.
The JWNT again put up a strong effort on the boards as they outrebounded their opponents 49-19, with Michelle Plouffe leading the way with 12 rebounds. The Canadians crashed the offensive glass, converting 29 offensive rebounds into 20 second-chance points.
The defensive pressure applied by the JWNT forced Chile to commit 33 turnovers in the game. Canada recorded 21 steals and scored 27 points off those 33 turnovers. Michelle Plouffe led the JWNT with five steals and three other players recorded three steals each.
Rocio Arcuch and Fernanda Aburto led Chile in scoring with 10 points apiece.
"It was a nice way to end the tournament. Everyone got into the game and played very well. It was a great way to finish off our three weeks together," added Chambers.
The victory marked the second time that Canada has won a bronze medal in a FIBA Americas U18 Championship. The JWNT had won silver in its previous two appearances at the event.
