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, establishing a commanding 30-point margin in the third quarter.
Notable contributions came from Syla Swords and Delaney Gibb, each scoring 17 points, while Jasmine Bascoe added 15 points along with eight assists and four rebounds, propelling Canada into the final. Swords exhibited exceptional efficiency, shooting 6-for-8 from the field and a perfect 5-for-5 from beyond the arc.
Canada is set to face the host team, Mexico, in the final scheduled for Sunday in Guadalajara. The championship game will determine the tournament’s victor and grant the winning team a spot in the subsequent phase of Olympic qualification. Mexico secured their spot in the final by defeating Brazil in the semifinal match.
Having previously defeated Mexico 70-64 in the group stage, Canada is poised for a rematch in the final showdown. The ultimate victor of the tournament will clinch a place in one of the FIBA Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournaments slated for February 2028.