The Canadian women’s basketball team emerged victorious with an impressive 83-53 win over Mexico in the FIBA Women’s Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament held in Guadalajara. This win brings Canada closer to securing a spot in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Canada has also clinched the sole berth in the FIBA Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament 2028, which is the final qualification stage for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

Leading the charge for Canada, Kayla Alexander contributed 14 points, along with four rebounds and three assists. Agot Makeer showcased a strong performance with 13 points on 5-of-7 shooting, adding three rebounds and three assists without any turnovers.

The Canadian team dominated the tournament, achieving a perfect 5-0 record by defeating Senegal, the Philippines, Mexico, and New Zealand before securing the victory against the host nation 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 showcased a blend of young talent and experienced veterans, coming together effectively for the first time.

Syla Swords contributed 12 points, while Yvonne Ejim delivered a notable performance with a 10-point, 17-rebound double-double. Ejim also recorded two assists and a block, finishing with an impressive game-high efficiency rating of 22 and a plus-32 rating.

Coach Fortner highlighted the team’s defensive strategy, emphasizing the focus on shutting down the opponent’s offense by limiting their three-point shots. The defensive approach proved successful as the team held Mexico to just 5-for-26 from beyond the arc, showcasing the team’s defensive prowess and its impact on generating offensive opportunities.