Canada, eyeing back-to-back titles, into 3x3 basketball semis of Women's Series Final

Canada's 3x3 basketball team opened its title defence at the Women's Series Final with three consecutive victories Saturday in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.

A balanced attack and strong shooting from the field (69 per cent) keyed a 22-17 victory over the host squad in the opener and propelled the Canadians to wins over France (16-14) and Germany (21-13) in Pool A action.

Michelle and Katherine Plouffe, Kacie Bosch and Paige Crozon secured a semifinal berth and will play Germany or the United States on Sunday at 4 a.m. ET. China also went 3-0 and will face France or Neftchi out of Azerbaijan in the other semifinal at 4:25 a.m. The final is scheduled for 5:20 a.m.

The Canadians entered the Final third in the season standings with 725 points, behind second-place Neftchi out of Azerbaijan (831) and ahead of fourth-place France (720).

However, Canada boasts more tournament victories than any other team (five) despite playing in five fewer events than Neftchi and France.

Against Mongolia, the Canadians never led by more than four points until Crozon made it 15-10 with 4:45 left in the 10-minute match.

But Mongolia immediately cut into the deficit on a Khulan Onolbaatar two-point shot.

Mongolia closed to within 16-14 with 4:19 on the clock after Indra Ulzibat's two-pointer but Canada held strong and ended the match (first team to 21 points) on a Crozon two to make it 22-17.

WATCH | Full coverage of Canada vs. Mongolia:

The native of Humboldt, Sask., led her team with seven points. The Plouffe sisters had six points each and Bosch three.

Neither Canada nor France held more than a two-point advantage in the second contest for both teams.

Tied 12-12, Michelle Plouffe converted a pair of free throws with 1:44 remaining but France drew