Canada’s senior women’s national basketball team secured a strong start in the FIBA Olympic pre-qualifying tournament by defeating Senegal 72-57 in Guadalajara, Mexico. Kayla Alexander led the team with 16 points and seven rebounds, while Syla Swords and Delaney Gibb contributed 13 points each.
Canadian head coach Nell Fortner expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance, highlighting their toughness and strong rebounding efforts against Senegal, known for their prowess on the boards. The team’s dominance on the offensive glass, with a 15-8 advantage, was crucial in generating extra possessions, supported by Tara Wallack’s four offensive rebounds.
Swords’ early three-pointers set the tone for Canada’s lead, reaching as high as 17 points and maintaining control throughout the game. Despite Senegal’s resurgence in the third quarter, Canada’s 26-14 lead in points in the paint and efficient 52.5% shooting from that area proved decisive. Both teams were even in points off turnovers at 11, with Senegal holding a slight edge of 31-29 in bench scoring.
With a day off on Tuesday, Canada will next face the Philippines on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. ET, aiming to continue their winning momentum in the tournament.