The Canadian women’s basketball team achieved a resounding 83-53 victory over Mexico in the FIBA Women’s Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament held in Guadalajara. This win propels Canada 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 phase of qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
Leading the charge for Canada was Kayla Alexander, contributing 14 points along with four rebounds and three assists. Agot Makeer also made an impact, scoring 13 points on an efficient 5-of-7 shooting, while delivering three rebounds and three assists without any turnovers.
Having dominated the tournament with a flawless 5-0 record, the Canadian women triumphed over Senegal, the Philippines, Mexico, and New Zealand before securing their victory against the host country 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’s blend of young talents and experienced players proved effective as they showcased strong cohesion throughout the tournament.
Syla Swords contributed 12 points, while Yvonne Ejim’s impressive performance included a 10-point, 17-rebound double-double. Ejim’s all-around play also featured 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 that stifled Mexico’s offense, emphasizing the focus on limiting their three-point shooting. The Canadian team’s defensive prowess led to offensive opportunities, establishing a significant advantage in their final match.
This victory marks a significant milestone for the Canadian women’s basketball team as they continue their journey towards qualifying for the prestigious Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.