The Deseret News is tracking how the Canada 3x3 women’s basketball team — which features two former University of Utah players, as well as one as the team’s coaches — performs at the 2024 Olympics.
Come back for updates on these Utah ties each day during the 3x3 competition, which runs from July 30 through Aug. 5.
Women’s pool play standings through four games
- Australia — 3-1
- Canada — 3-1
- Germany — 3-1
- China — 2-2
- Spain — 2-2
- Azerbaijan — 1-3
- France — 1-3
- United States — 1-3
Pool play, Game 4: Canada 13, France 9
Canada bounced back from its first loss of the Olympics as former Ute Paige Crozon delivered the clinching points in the final minute of a 13-9 victory over France on Thursday.
With Canada leading 10-7 in a low-scoring contest, Crozon hit a driving layup and was fouled with 32 seconds to play to make it 11-7. She then was awarded two free throws and hit both, making it 13-7.
Crozon then came up with a block on a 2-point attempt, as Canada held on in a game where both teams struggled with their shooting. The teams combined to go 1 of 16 from 2-point range, and Canada was 4 of 9 from the free-throw line, though it made up for that by going 9 of 16 from 1-point range.
Crozon had four points in the win, while another former Ute, Michelle Plouffe, added three points and five rebounds. Her twin sister, Katherine Plouffe, led Canada with four points and six rebounds.
Pool play, Game 3: Germany 19, Canada 15
Canada trailed 7-1 early before a Michelle Plouffe 2-pointer gave Canada a brief 10-9 lead with 3:54 to play, but from there, Germany took control and earned a 19-15 win earlier Thursday.
It was the first loss in pool play for the Canadians.
Plouffe, the former University of Utah forward, and her twin sister, Katherine Plouffe, each scored five points for Canada in the losing effort.
Paige Crozon, another former Utah star, added four points for the Canadians, which shot just 3 of 12 on 2-point shots, compared to 4 of 7 for Germany.
Pool play, Game 2: Canada 21, China 11
Former Utah stars Paige Crozon and Michelle Plouffe each scored seven points in leading Canada to a 21-11 win over China on Day 2 of 3x3 women’s basketball pool play during the 2024 Olympics on Wednesday.
For the second straight day, Canada got off a strong start and had a 14-6 lead midway through the 10-minute contest.
Crozon helped Canada get off to its fast start by hitting a pair of 2-pointers early in the game — she finished the contest shooting 3 of 7 from long range and added two rebounds.
While Plouffe struggled from the field — shooting 1 of 4 on 1-point shots (though that one make was the game-winner) and 1 of 2 beyond the arc — she made a game-high 4 of 4 free throws. She also had a game-high five rebounds.
Katherine Plouffe, Michelle’s twin sister, added five points and three rebounds, while the speedy Kacie Bosch provided tough defense and hustle — leading to some critical offensive rebounds — while adding two points and four rebounds.
Pool play, Game 1: Canada 22, Australia 14
Two University of Utah basketball stars started off their Olympics with a strong effort in helping the Canadian 3x3 women’s basketball team cruise past Australia 22-14 on Tuesday.
Canada built a 15-2 lead in the fast-paced game before putting away Australia in the pool play opener for both teams.
Former Ute Michelle Plouffe had eight points and five rebounds for Canada, while Paige Crozon, another former Utah star, added four points and four rebounds.
Plouffe’s twin sister Katherine led Team Canada with 10 points and three rebounds. Her basket with 1:21 left on the clock wrapped up the victory.
3x3 basketball format at the Olympics
The Utah-heavy Canadian squad, which is coached by former Ute Kim Smith Gaucher, is one of eight women’s 3x3 teams taking part in the 2024 Olympics.
During the pool round, which is ongoing, each team plays all seven other teams.
At the end of the pool round, the eight 3x3 teams will be ranked according to their records, and teams will start being eliminated.
“The top two teams advance to the semifinals, while the bottom two are eliminated. The other four teams will compete in a play-in round (third vs. sixth, fourth vs. fifth), with the winners advancing to the semifinals,” per ESPN.
3x3 basketball rules
In addition to having a different tournament format than 5x5 basketball, 3x3 basketball has different rules.
- In 3x3 basketball, shots made from inside the arc are worth 1 point, while shots from beyond the arc are worth 2 points.
- Free throws are also worth 1 point.
- The game is played on a court that’s about half the size of a typical basketball court, and there’s only one basket.
- Games end when one team makes it to 21 points or after 10 minutes.
How to watch Team Canada at the Olympics
The Canada women’s 3x3 basketball team plays two games on Friday. First, they’ll face the United States at 10 a.m. MDT before taking on Spain at 1 p.m. MDT.
Both games will stream on Peacock.