The Canadian women’s basketball team emerged victorious over Mexico with a score of 83-53 in the FIBA Women’s Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament held in Guadalajara. This win brings Canada closer to qualifying for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Canada’s triumph also secured the sole spot in the FIBA Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament 2028, the final phase of qualification for the upcoming Olympic Games in Los Angeles. Leading the charge for Canada was Kayla Alexander, who contributed 14 points along with four rebounds and three assists. Agot Makeer showcased a strong performance with 13 points on 5-of-7 shooting, adding three rebounds and three assists without any turnovers.
The Canadian women’s team achieved a clean sweep in the tournament, boasting a perfect 5-0 record after defeating Senegal, the Philippines, Mexico, and New Zealand, culminating in a second victory over the host nation in the final match.
Head coach Nell Fortner expressed her pride in the team’s accomplishment, stating, “The goal all summer long was to win this tournament, and we did that in fine fashion today. I’m super proud of my team. We had a mix of young players and veterans who came together and played exceptionally well for the first time. Our cohesion was evident today.”
Syla Swords contributed 12 points, while Yvonne Ejim delivered a standout performance with a 10-point, 17-rebound double-double. Ejim also tallied two assists and a block, achieving a game-high efficiency rating of 22 and a plus-32 rating.
Coach Fortner highlighted the team’s defensive strategies, stating, “We implemented a different defensive approach which effectively shut down their offense. By focusing on limiting their three-point shots to no more than six, we succeeded as they went 5-for-26. Our defensive prowess translated into offensive success, making a significant impact in today’s game.”