Fields and Team Canada headed for Semi-Finals
Nirra Fields finished with a double-double helping to give Canada a 86-64 victory over Paraguay in the FIBA Women’s AmeriCup.
With this win, Canada moves in the Semi-Finals with a 4-0 record and claims the top spot in Group B.
Another game that was close at halftime but where Canada took over in the second half and completely dominated to a comfortable win.
Fields excelled on both ends of the floor scoring a game high 25 points, ten rebounds and also coming away with three steals. The Lachine, QC native controlled the tempo as she ran the point for most of the game always making the right pass.
Canada got strong secondary scoring and overall play from the Plouffe sisters. Katherine Plouffe scored 12 points on 5/7 shooting adding 4 rebounds. Michelle Plouffe chipped in with nine points and 13 rebounds.
Canada led throughout the game but Paraguay kept it close always in striking distance. The Canadian women outscored Paraguay 22-6 in the paint and made more shots in the first half. Despite all of this, Canada only held a 41-37 lead at halftime.
It was Paraguay’s hot three-point shooting that kept them right in the game. They made eight shots from beyond the arc in the first half compared to Canada only making one.
The second half was a completely different story. Paraguay only made four three-pointers and only one in the third quarter, where Canada began to take over.
Midway through the third, Canada went on an 11-0 run to completely blow the game open and the women never looked back.
Fields controlled the pace and game in the third quarter. She locked down defensively coming away with steals and rebounds to run out in transition and making the right play. Whether it was making the correct pass or getting to the basket and finishing, she did it all.
The former Phoenix Mercury guard was efficient all day going 9/13 from the field including making one three pointer. She was also perfect from the charity stripe making all six of her attempts.
Canada was able to close the game out strong and outscore Paraguay 45-27 in the second half. A switch of defensive focus to closing out their shooters and force them into tough shots inside made the difference.
The Canadian Women also dominated the boards and out-rebounded Paraguay 58-21.
Top Performers
Nirra Fields: 25 points | 10 rebounds | 3 steals | 2 assists
Katherine Plouffe: 12 points | 4 rebounds | 1 assist | 1 block
Michelle Plouffe: 13 rebounds | 9 points | 2 assists | 1 steal | 1 block
Jamie Scott: 9 points | 5 rebounds | 3 assists
Kia Nurse: 8 points | 3 assists | 3 steals | 1 rebound
Miranda Ayim: 11 rebounds | 6 points | 1 block
Up Next
With Canada earning the top spot in Group B they will go on to play the second place team in Group A in the Semi-Finals. Argentina plays Brazil tonight and with an Argentina win, Brazil would surprisingly be going home early and Canada would play the Virgin Islands. A Brazil victory would set up a mouthwatering Canada VS Brazil matchup.
The women have the day off tomorrow with the Semi-Final games set for Saturday, Aug. 12 with the times to be determined.
