Women’s Game
The Canadian U23 women’s team stayed undefeated with a 78-69 win over the American representatives Virginia Commonwealth University.
While VCU represents America (USA) in this tournament, Globl Jam is a homecoming for several Canadians on their roster, including Janika Griffith-Wallace from Brampton, Ont., Mary-Anna Asare from Markham, Ont., Samantha Robinson from Bradford, Ont. and Keowa Walters from Toronto, Ont.
Merissah Russell opened the scoring with the first five points of the game as Canada flew out of the gate to build a 15-2 lead before the first time out. America would settle down coming out of the short break and they cut the lead to end the half 22-11
Shaina Pellington sunk a corner three from Shayeann Day-Wilson as Canada pushed the pace early, but the USA’s slow methodical style slowed the game to a crawl and forced the Canadians into their half-court offence. Asare hit a three after minutes of back and forth stops to bring America back within single digits, but Pellington, who had 13 points, and Canada responded to take a 43-28 lead into the half.
Connecticut Huskie Aaliyah Edwards knocked down another mid-range jumper to start the half and she had another double-double with 12 points, and 10 rebounds.
Canada overcame a disjointed start coming out of the locker room to continue attacking the paint while Day-Wilson struggled to find her shot, shooting 2-14 for eight points and seven assists. The two teams traded buckets at the end of the third quarter to end it 55-44, Canada in the lead.
Edwards continued her dominant showing at Globl Jam with a turnaround post shot to start the fourth, followed by a steal and free throws on the next possession. Canada’s full court press started giving the USA fits as they started possessions with an already depleted shot clock. America adjusted to pick up the pace, their shot making improved and Asare picked up her 18th point of the night to go with six rebounds.
While USA made a run in the final moments, Canada was able to keep control of the game down the stretch with clutch free throws from Edwards and rebounding from Russell.
Canada will now look to take on undefeated France on Thursday night at 6 p.m. on Sportsnet before having the day off on Friday to rest before the semi-finals take place on Saturday.
Canada vs. USA boxscore click HERE.
Next Game: Canada vs. France at 6pm est. on Thursday July 7
Men’s Game
Canada’s U23 men’s team eked out a close 69-67 win over the Baylor Bears representing America at Globl Jam to remain undefeated in round robins.
The Baylor Bears are without several rotation players, but Keyonte George shined in the first game for the American squad and he had another 19 points in this game.
Marcus Carr dashed into the midrange and nailed a floater for the opening bucket with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (OKC Thunder) and Scottie Barnes (Toronto Raptors) sitting courtside and he led his squad through an opening flurry from the Americans and they tied the game on a slam dunk from Emanuel Miller.
Oregon’s Quincy Guerrier continued to impress early and Canada took a 14-12 lead off a bucket inside from the Quebec big man and Canada took an 18-16 lead while holding the USA to 25 per cent shooting in the first quarter.
The second quarter turned into a defensive slugfest with each team taking turns getting runs at the rim. With the game turning into a series of fast breaks, it appeared as if Canada would build their first big lead of the game, but America responded with a 11-2 run, and Flo Bamba would put the USA up with a 35-31 lead going into halftime.
The battle waged on after the teams came back on the floor with America guarding the ball aggressively, which led to both George and Leonard Miller hitting the ground hard on one possession. Guerrier tied the game up for Canada on another and-1 foul in transition and Emanuel Miller took the lead on a similar play shortly after.
America’s physical play kept them in the game, and they took another six-point lead at the end of the third quarter and held Canada to nearly six minutes without a made field goal.
Does Canada’s come-back started with free throws and the ball back when Leonard Miller had his jersey held in transition. Emanuel Miller would pull it to within two while crashing the boards, and Canada completed a 10-0 run and took the lead off Emanuel Miller finding a missed shot and finishing strong inside.
Emanuel Miller had 13 points, ten rebounds, and three assists, while Leonard Miller had eight points and four rebounds.
With a minute left in the game, Carr, who had 14 points, hit a highly contested three-point shot that was the dagger in the heart of the USA’s chances as they opted not to foul on a key final possession. Carr had 10 points in the final quarter for Canada.
The Canadians will now have Italy’s U23 team up next as they go head-to-head at 9 p.m. on Thursday on Sportsnet before having a day off Friday, followed by the semi-finals on Saturday.
Canada vs. USA boxscore click HERE
Next Game: Canada vs. Italy at 9pm est. on Thursday July 7
Other scores:
Women
Game 1 Belgium 59 France 32
Men
Game 1 Brazil 72 Italy 68
