Music: {allcanada} CANADA SETTLES FOR 12TH-PLACE AT WOMEN'S BASKETBALL WORLDS

Saturday, October 2, 2010

{allcanada} CANADA SETTLES FOR 12TH-PLACE AT WOMEN'S BASKETBALL WORLDS

KARLOVY VARY, Czech Republic -- Canada settled for a 12th-place finish at the world women's basketball championship after dropping a 71-55 decision to Greece on Saturday.

The defeat in the meaningless classification round game capped a disappointing tournament for the Canadians. They managed to qualify for the second round with a 1-2 record but then lost five games in a row.

However, Canada coach Allison McNeill was still impressed with her team's effort since many of her players are young and inexperienced.

"I definitely think we have come so far in this tournament," McNeill said in a conference call. "It's exciting to know the future is bright."

Canada's lone victory was a 65-61 decision over China.

While Canada was not expected to do much against powerhouses Australia and the United States, close losses to teams like France and Brazil were tough to take.

"We played the best teams and I think for stretches we were right with them," McNeill said. "That's the first thing you have to do I think. ... we had great team chemistry, unbelievable work ethic and superior toughness.

"I think if we can just add some pieces to our game then I think we can be there. But it's going to take a lot of work."

Canadian team officials and players are scheduled to meet Monday to go over future plans. The next big women's tournament will be held at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London.

On Saturday, Greece stormed out to a 25-9 lead and didn't let up.

"I thought that we fought hard," said Saskatoon native Krista Phillips, who led Canada with 19 points. "I think that we put ourselves in a bad spot by getting down in the beginning. It was hard for us to come back."

Dimitra Kalentzou led Greece with 21 points.

Canada finished 10th at the world championships in 2006.