Canada showcased a dominant performance against New Zealand, securing an 86-71 victory in the semifinal of the FIBA Women’s Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament held in Guadalajara. Throughout the game, Canada maintained the lead for nearly 32 minutes and established a significant 30-point advantage in the third quarter.
Key players Syla Swords and Delaney Gibb each contributed 17 points, with Jasmine Bascoe adding 15 points, eight assists, and four rebounds, propelling Canada into the final round. Swords displayed exceptional accuracy, shooting 6-for-8 from the field and a flawless 5-for-5 from beyond the arc.
In the upcoming final against host Mexico, Canada will vie for the tournament title and a spot in the next phase of Olympic qualification. Mexico secured their place in the final by defeating Brazil in the other semifinal matchup. Notably, Canada previously overcame Mexico with a 70-64 victory during the group stage, setting the stage for a highly anticipated rematch in the championship game.
The victorious team in the tournament will secure a coveted spot in one of the FIBA Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournaments scheduled for February 2028.