Loss offers lessons for Canadian women

Some of the intelligence gained may come in handy in a week or so, despite the fact Canada did not get the result it wanted from its penultimate tune-up for the women’s world basketball championship.

A couple of late turnovers negated a furious last-minute rally as Canada dropped a 72-68 decision to arch-rival France in an exhibition game Sunday in Antibes, France.

Kia Nurse hit back-to-back three-pointers in about a fivesecond span with a minute left — the second coming off a Nirra Fields offensive rebound of a missed Nurse free throw — to pull Canada into a 68-68 tie before two costly turnovers allowed France to seal the win at the foul line.

The same teams will meet a week from Tuesday in the final preliminary-round group game at the world championship, a pivotal game for both and a rematch of the 2016 Rio Olympics quarterfinal won by France.

It’s why the loss Sunday was not crippling and could actually help with scouting before the worlds in Tenerife, Spain. Canadian coach Lisa Thomaidis said before the trip that the game would be some kind of chess match, with each team holding back some of what it does best. She also said, however, that her team always benefits from having a first-hand look at key opponents before games that really count.

“There are a number of things that are completely under our control that we know we can clean up for next time,” Thomaidis said after the game. “It was a great opportunity to play them and get an advanced look before we play for keeps.”

Nurse, the Hamilton native coming off her rookie season in the WNBA with the New York Liberty, led Canada with 25 points while London’s Miranda Ayim, a veteran of the French league, had 13.

Canada finishes its pre-worlds preparation Monday with a game against Senegal. The No. 5-ranked Canadians open the world championship Saturday against Greece.