Canada’s women’s basketball team achieved a resounding 83-53 victory over Mexico in the FIBA Women’s Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament held in Guadalajara. This win propels Canada closer to securing a spot in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Additionally, Canada clinched the exclusive berth in the FIBA Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament 2028, the final step towards qualification for the upcoming Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
Key players such as Kayla Alexander, who contributed 14 points along with four rebounds and three assists, and Agot Makeer, who scored 13 points on 5-of-7 shooting while grabbing three rebounds and three assists without any turnovers, were instrumental in Canada’s success. The Canadian team displayed dominance throughout the tournament, claiming a perfect 5-0 record by defeating teams like Senegal, the Philippines, Mexico, and New Zealand before the final victory over the host nation.
Head coach Nell Fortner expressed pride in the team’s performance, emphasizing the cohesion between young and veteran players. Notable performances included Syla Swords scoring 12 points and Yvonne Ejim achieving a double-double with 10 points and 17 rebounds. Ejim’s exceptional performance led to a game-high efficiency rating of 22 and a plus-32 rating.
Fortner credited the team’s defensive strategy for stifling the opponents’ offense, limiting them to just 5-for-26 on three-point attempts. The coach highlighted the team’s defensive prowess as the catalyst for their offensive success, underscoring the importance of a cohesive team effort in achieving their tournament goals.