Canada emerged victorious over New Zealand with a final score of 86-71 during the FIBA Women’s Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament held in Guadalajara. Leading for the majority of the game, Canada secured a substantial lead of 30 points in the third quarter. Notable performances came from Syla Swords and Delaney Gibb, each contributing 17 points, while Jasmine Bascoe added 15 points along with eight assists and four rebounds. Swords showcased exceptional accuracy, shooting 6-for-8 from the field and a flawless 5-for-5 from beyond the arc.
In the upcoming final, Canada will go head-to-head against host Mexico, who secured their spot after defeating Brazil in the semifinals. The championship game will determine the winner of the tournament title and a coveted place in the next phase of Olympic qualification.
A previous encounter in the group stage saw Canada triumph over Mexico with a 70-64 victory, setting the stage for an anticipated rematch in the final showdown. The tournament victor will earn a slot in one of the FIBA Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournaments scheduled for February 2028.
