By Angelica Medina
LILLE, France (Reuters) – The Canadian men’s basketball team were on hand to support the country’s women players during their shock loss to hosts France 75-54 on Monday.
Despite taking a first-quarter lead, the fifth-ranked Canadians could do little to halt a stirring comeback by seventh-ranked France in front of a raucous crowd at the Pierre Mauroy stadium.
In the stands, men’s players such as Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luguentz Dort and forward Kelly Olynyk cheered on their countrywomen, in contrast to the booing from the home supporters.
“It’s important to come out and cheer for them like they did for us. Almost all the guys are here,” said coach Jordi Fernandez.
The women’s squad had been on hand earlier in the week to cheer the men’s team as they returned to the Games for the first time in 24 years with a successful opener, beating Greece 86-79.
“We were here two nights ago for our men’s game and it was a huge crowd. We said, ‘I hope we get this crowd’ and we did,” said guard Bridget Carleton, adding that women’s basketball deserved to be in the spotlight no matter whose side the fans were on.
Teammate Shay Colley said it was great to see so many people supporting women’s basketball.
“It’s always great to play against a home country. It was loud, sometimes hard to hear, but it was a great atmosphere. It’s just great to see so many people come out and support women’s basketball, including our men’s team,” she said.
(Reporting by Angelica Medina in Lille; Editing by Neil Fullick)
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