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

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.

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