The Canadian national women’s basketball team emerged victorious with an impressive 83-53 win over Mexico on Sunday in Guadalajara, clinching the FIBA Women’s Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament title. This triumph brings Canada a step closer to securing a spot in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
In addition to winning the tournament, Canada also earned the sole ticket to the FIBA Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament 2028, the final hurdle towards qualifying for the upcoming Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
Kayla Alexander led the Canadian team with 14 points, along with notable contributions of four rebounds and three assists. Agot Makeer showcased a strong performance with 13 points on 5-of-7 shooting, complemented by three rebounds and three assists without any turnovers.
The Canadian women’s team dominated the tournament, achieving a perfect 5-0 record by defeating Senegal, the Philippines, Mexico, and New Zealand before securing a decisive victory over the host country in the final match.
Head coach Nell Fortner expressed her pride in the team’s accomplishment, emphasizing the successful integration of both young players and seasoned veterans who united for the first time and exhibited exceptional teamwork throughout the tournament.
Syla Swords delivered 12 points, while Yvonne Ejim showcased an impressive double-double performance with 10 points and a remarkable 17 rebounds. Ejim also contributed two assists and a block, achieving a game-high efficiency rating of 22 and a plus-32 rating.
Fortner highlighted the team’s defensive strategy as a key factor in the resounding victory, emphasizing the focus on shutting down the opponent’s offense by limiting their three-point shots. The Canadian team’s strong defensive effort, holding their opponents to just 5-for-26 from beyond the arc, played a pivotal role in their success, showcasing the team’s ability to convert defensive stops into offensive opportunities.