Canada to play for bronze at U19 women’s basketball World Cup

Canada fell 87-75 to Australia in a semifinal of the under-19 women’s basketball World Cup on Saturday in Brno, Czech Republic.

The Canadians will play Spain for the bronze medal Sunday. The United States, a 70-58 winner over the Spaniards, will meet the Australians for gold.

Jasmine Bascoe of Milton, Ont., led Canada with a game-high 29 points, nine assists and three steals against the Aussies.

Agot Makeer of Thunder Bay, Ont., collected a team-high seven rebounds.

But Canada trailed from the opening quarter shooting 39 per cent from field goal range to Australia’s 53 per cent.

The Aussies also dominated free throws at 95 per cent to Canada’s 57 per cent.

Canada, which took the bronze medal in the tournament in 2023, fell short of its first appearance in the final.