Canada showcased a dominant performance against New Zealand, securing an 86-71 victory in the semifinal of the FIBA Women’s Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament held in Guadalajara. Throughout the game, Canada maintained the lead for almost 32 minutes, reaching a commanding 30-point advantage in the third quarter.
Contributing significantly to Canada’s success, Syla Swords and Delaney Gibb each tallied 17 points, while Jasmine Bascoe recorded 15 points, eight assists, and four rebounds. Swords stood out for her impressive efficiency, shooting 6-for-8 from the field and a flawless 5-for-5 from beyond the arc. The stellar performance propelled Canada into the final match.
In the upcoming final against host Mexico, Canada will compete for the tournament title and a spot in the next phase of Olympic qualification. Mexico secured their spot in the final by defeating Brazil in the other semifinal showdown.
Having previously defeated Mexico 70-64 in the group stage, Canada is now set for a rematch in the championship game. The victorious team in the tournament will earn a coveted place in one of the FIBA Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournaments scheduled for February 2028.