The Canadian national women’s basketball team emerged victorious against 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 earning a spot in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Canada has also secured the sole spot in the FIBA Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament 2028, which is the final phase of qualification for the upcoming Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
Kayla Alexander led Canada with 14 points, accompanied by four rebounds and three assists. Agot Makeer contributed 13 points, shooting 5-of-7 from the field, and added three rebounds and three assists without any turnovers. The Canadian team showcased dominance throughout the tournament, clinching victories against Senegal, the Philippines, Mexico, and New Zealand before defeating the host country again in the final match.
Head coach Nell Fortner expressed 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. We had young players and veterans who had to come together and play together for the first time. I thought we really gelled well, and it all came to fruition today.”
Syla Swords contributed 12 points, while Yvonne Ejim achieved a remarkable 10-point, 17-rebound double-double. Ejim also provided two assists and a block, ending with an impressive efficiency rating of 22 and a plus-32 rating. Coach Fortner highlighted the defensive strategy employed against Mexico, emphasizing the team’s focus on limiting their three-point shots, which proved pivotal in securing the victory. She stated, “We played them differently defensively, and it really shut down their offense. Our goal was to hold them to no more than six threes, and they went 5-for-26. Our defense creates our offense, and it did that in a big way today.”
