Canadian women whip Mexico 83-53, net Olympic pre-qualifying basketball tourney crown
Advertisement
Read this article for free:
or
Already have an account? Log in here »
We need your support!
Local journalism needs your support!
As we navigate through unprecedented times, our journalists are working harder than ever to bring you the latest local updates to keep you safe and informed.
Now, more than ever, we need your support.
Starting at $15.99 plus taxes every four weeks you can access your Brandon Sun online and full access to all content as it appears on our website.
Subscribe Nowor call circulation directly at (204) 727-0527.
Your pledge helps to ensure we provide the news that matters most to your community!
To continue reading, please subscribe:
Add Brandon Sun access to your Free Press subscription for only an additional
$1 for the first 4 weeks*
- Enjoy unlimited reading on brandonsun.com
- Read the Brandon Sun E-Edition, our digital replica newspaper
*Your next Free Press subscription payment will increase by $1.00 and you will be charged $20.95 plus GST for four weeks. After four weeks, your payment will increase to $24.95 plus GST every four weeks.
Read unlimited articles for free today:
or
Already have an account? Log in here »
GUADALAJARA – Kayla Alexander had 14 points and four rebounds, Agot Makeer scored 13 points, and Canada defeated host Mexico 83-53 in the title game at the FIBA Women’s Olympic pre-qualifying basketball tournament on Sunday.
The Canadians, who entered the final with a 4-0 record — they beat New Zealand 86-71 in the semifinals — led 26-11 after the first quarter against Mexico and 47-26 at halftime.
Canada’s biggest run in the game came in the opening three minutes of the third quarter when they outscored the hosts 11-0 to grab a 58-26 lead. Mexico responded with a 9-0 run later in the quarter, getting to within 58-35.
Canada had 11 offensive rebounds and 38 defensive rebounds for a total of 49, while Mexico had nine and 21 for a total of 30.
“The goal all summer long was to win this tournament, and we did that,” said Canadian head coach Nell Fortner. “We did it in fine fashion today. I’m super proud of my team. We had young players and veterans who had to come together and play together for the first time.
“I thought we really gelled well, and it all came to fruition today.”
Syla Swords, who scored a dozen points for Canada in the final, was named the tournament’s MVP. Teammate Yvonne Ejim, who had 10 points and 17 rebounds in the final, joined her on the tournament’s all-star team.
Swords averaged 14.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, 2.2 assists and one steal across Canada’s five victories. The 20-year-old shot 48.1 per cent from three-point range during the tournament.
“It’s exciting, but that’s not really why I play for Canada,” Swords said of her individual honour. “Coach started our game today by asking who we play for, and the response was immediately: Canada.
“When we started training camp at the beginning of June, we wanted to go 5-0. We didn’t just want to win the tournament; we wanted to go undefeated. We took it one game at a time, and I think we did it in great fashion.”
Mexico’s Anisa Jeffries, New Zealand’s Emilia Shearer and Brazil’s Bella Nascimento completed the All-Star Five.
By winning the tournament, Canada advances to one of the FIBA Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournaments in February 2028, the final stage of qualification for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 23, 2026.