The Canadian women’s basketball team emerged victorious with an 83-53 win over Mexico in the FIBA Women’s Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament held in Guadalajara. This triumph brings Canada closer to securing a spot in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Additionally, Canada clinched the sole spot in the FIBA Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament 2028, the final phase of qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
In a stellar performance, Kayla Alexander led Canada with 14 points, supported by four rebounds and three assists. Agot Makeer contributed 13 points on 5-of-7 shooting, along with three rebounds and three assists without any turnovers.
Canada dominated the tournament with a flawless 5-0 record, defeating Senegal, the Philippines, Mexico, and New Zealand before claiming victory over the host nation in the final match.
Head coach Nell Fortner expressed her pride in the team’s achievement, stating, “The goal all summer long was to win this tournament, and we did that. We did it in fine fashion today. I’m super proud of my team.”
Syla Swords contributed 12 points, while Yvonne Ejim delivered a remarkable performance with a 10-point, 17-rebound double-double. Ejim’s impressive display also included two assists and a block, earning her a game-high efficiency rating of 22 and a plus-32 rating.
Fortner highlighted the team’s defensive strategy, emphasizing their focus on limiting the opponent’s three-point shots. She noted, “Our defense creates our offense, and it did that in a big way today,” underscoring the team’s defensive prowess in securing the victory.