Canada’s senior women’s national basketball team kicked off the FIBA Olympic pre-qualifying tournament in Guadalajara, Mexico, with a strong performance, securing a 72-57 victory over Senegal on Monday. Kayla Alexander led the team with 16 points and seven rebounds, supported by Syla Swords and Delaney Gibb who contributed 13 points each.
Head coach Nell Fortner expressed satisfaction with the team’s performance, highlighting their toughness and strong rebounding against a formidable Senegalese team known for their prowess on the boards. The win marked a positive start for Canada in the tournament.
Canada dominated the offensive glass, securing a 15-8 advantage in offensive rebounds, with Tara Wallack making significant contributions with four offensive boards. Swords’ sharp shooting from beyond the arc in the first quarter set the tone for Canada’s early lead, which they maintained throughout the game despite a push from Senegal in the third quarter.
The Canadians showcased their strength inside the paint, outscoring Senegal 26-14 and shooting an impressive 52.5% from that area. Both teams capitalized on turnovers, with 11 points each, while Senegal held a slight edge in bench scoring at 31-29.
Following a day off on Tuesday, Canada will resume their campaign by facing the Philippines on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. ET.