MINSK, Belarus Canada dropped to 2-1 at the FIBA U17 Women’s Basketball World Cup after a 64-48 loss to Australia on Tuesday.
Merissah Russell of Ottawa led Canada with 17 points, while Aaliyah Edwards of Kingston chipped in with 10 points and six rebounds.
Australia, the reigning tournament champion, extended a five-point lead after the first quarter to 16 at halftime.
“Unfortunately we didn’t come out with the win but this just proves how strong the competition is in this World Cup and the battle, effort and teamwork it takes to finish with a medal this tourney,” Edwards said. “Tomorrow is a new day, what happened today is in the past and we will come out stronger and better than what we showed today.”
Canada takes on Spain (1-2) in the round of 16 on Wednesday.