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 one step closer to securing a spot in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Additionally, Canada clinched the sole berth in the FIBA Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament 2028, the ultimate qualifying stage for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
Leading the charge for Canada was Kayla Alexander, contributing 14 points, four rebounds, and three assists. Agot Makeer showcased a strong performance with 13 points on 5-of-7 shooting, along with three rebounds and three assists, all while maintaining a turnover-free game.
The Canadian women’s team dominated the tournament, achieving a perfect 5-0 record by defeating Senegal, the Philippines, Mexico, and New Zealand before outplaying the host nation in the final match.
Head coach Nell Fortner expressed her pride in the team’s accomplishment, emphasizing the unity between young players and seasoned veterans. Syla Swords contributed 12 points, while Yvonne Ejim delivered a notable performance with a double-double of 10 points and 17 rebounds, along with two assists and a block. Ejim’s outstanding performance earned her a game-high efficiency rating of 22 and a plus-32 rating.
Fortner highlighted the team’s defensive strategy as a key factor in their success, emphasizing their focus on limiting the opponent’s three-point shots. By holding Mexico to just 5-for-26 from beyond the arc, Canada’s defense paved the way for their offensive success, securing a significant victory in the tournament.
