By Canadian Press

Canada opens the 3×3 World Cup basketball tournament with pair of wins

Jun 9, 2018 | 9:30 AM

BOCAUE, Philippines — Canada kicked off the FIBA 3×3 World Cup basketball tournament Saturday with a pair of victories over Mongolia and Russia.

Steve Sir, Jermaine Bucknor, Michael Lieffers and Michael Linklater topped Mongolia 21-15 to begin the day, then followed it up with a 20-17 victory over No. 3 Russia.

“Winning when you are representing your country in 3×3 for the first time is something special,” Sir said. 

The Canadians face host Philippines and No. 6 Brazil on Monday.

Sir had nine points against Mongolia, while Bucknor, Lieffers and Linklater contributed four points apiece. The Canadians fell behind 8-0 but roared back with a 14-1 run, and Sir hit a long-range shot to seal Canada’s victory.   

Week In Review
Week in Review: Week of April 20, 2026
9h ago
Two & Out
PETERS: The good, the bad and the ugly of the Pathways meeting
Apr 24, 2026
Looped In
LOOPED IN WITH NIKKI OMEN: April 23, 2026
Apr 23, 2026

Sir led the way again with 12 points against Russia, while Lieffers added five points.

The Canadian Press

by Canadian Press

Our Community

Week In Review
Week in Review: Week of April 20, 2026
9h ago
Two & Out
PETERS: The good, the bad and the ugly of the Pathways meeting
Apr 24, 2026
Looped In
LOOPED IN WITH NIKKI OMEN: April 23, 2026
Apr 23, 2026
SOUND OFF
SOUND OFF: Creating good-paying jobs for British Columbians
Apr 23, 2026
1000 Ways to Heal
1000 WAYS TO HEAL: What we cannot see
Apr 20, 2026