FIBA February 8, 2024
The only thing that could keep the Canadian women’s basketball team from qualifying for Paris 2024 would be finishing in last place at the FIBA Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Sopron, Hungary.
This scenario seems unlikely for the moment after a 67-55 victory against the host country, Hungary, at the start of the tournament.
On Thursday, Canada had success thanks to its defense, which managed to hold Hungary to 33 percent shooting on 61 shots from the field. The forward line of Natalie Achonwa and Kayla Alexander made life difficult in the key box for Hungary, who failed to convert enough outside shots to get within one point.
Canada’s forward line also provided the offensive spark in the first quarter, with the Canadians taking a double-digit lead thanks to eight points from Achonwa, who made four baskets on as many shots, and four points inscribed by Alexander.
Canada slowed down offensively in the second and third quarters, while Hungary stayed in the game by deploying tough defense to keep Canada’s lead to a few possessions.
Despite the difficulties, the Canadians managed to finish the third quarter with a 13-2 run to take control of the game, with Bridget Carleton concluding the quarter with Canada’s first three-point basket.
Canada opened the game in the fourth quarter, increasing its lead to 21 points at half-period. Despite Hungary’s comeback attempt, it was too little, too late for the host nation, with Canada securing a 67-55 victory.
Bridget Carleton was the top scorer, scoring 18 points and hitting two three-pointers. Kayla Alexander finished with 14 points and 12 rebounds. Achonwa had ten points and eight rebounds, and led the team in rating with +18.
Hungary is the lowest-ranked team in the FIBA World Rankings at 19th, so this game was Canada’s best opportunity to secure a victory in this round of the qualifying tournament. The other two teams, Spain (5th in the world) and Japan (9th), will present greater challenges, but even if Canada loses its next two matches, it will still have the possibility of qualifying depending on the results of the Hungary.
READ: The objectives of women’s basketball training: Olympic qualification and contributing to the growth of the sport
On the other side of the draw in this tournament, Japan upset Spain 86-75. The Canadian women’s team now has the opportunity – just like the men’s team did – to clinch a berth to Paris 2024 by securing a victory against Spain.
The game will take place Friday at 9:30 a.m. EST.
Adapted from English by Audrey Lacroix.
2024-02-08 20:52:49
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