The Canadian women’s basketball team emerged victorious with a decisive 83-53 win over Mexico in the FIBA Women’s Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament held in Guadalajara. This triumph propels Canada closer to securing a spot in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Canada has also clinched the sole berth in the FIBA Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament 2028, which represents the final opportunity for qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
Kayla Alexander led the charge for Canada with 14 points, alongside four rebounds and three assists. Agot Makeer contributed 13 points on 5-of-7 shooting, adding three rebounds and three assists without any turnovers. The Canadian women dominated the tournament, achieving a flawless 5-0 record by defeating Senegal, the Philippines, Mexico, and New Zealand before claiming victory over the host team in the final match.
Head coach Nell Fortner expressed her satisfaction with the team’s performance, 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.” The team showcased a blend of young talents and experienced players who seamlessly came together for the first time, demonstrating exceptional teamwork on the court.
Syla Swords contributed 12 points, while Yvonne Ejim delivered a notable 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 remarkable plus-32 rating. Coach Fortner highlighted the team’s defensive strategy as a key factor in their success, emphasizing their focus on limiting their opponents’ three-point shooting. This tactical approach paid off as they effectively stifled Mexico’s offense, holding them to just 5-for-26 from beyond the arc.
Fortner concluded, “Our defense creates our offense, and it did that in a big way today.” The team’s cohesive defensive effort and strategic gameplay were instrumental in securing their victory and advancing towards Olympic qualification.