Kayla Alexander scored a team-high 21 points and added six rebounds as the Canadian women’s national team held off Australia 77-74 Tuesday in a pre-Olympic exhibition game in Spain.
With Canada ahead by a single point heading into the final seconds, Jade Melbourne came up short on a layup that would have put Australia into the lead. Canada’s Bridget Carleton was fouled with 1.8 seconds remaining and made both of her free throws and finished with 10 points.
The Canadians earned the final spot in the Paris Olympics during their qualifying tournament earlier this year after finishing fourth at the most recent FIBA World Cup in 2022.
Canada will play Spain on Wednesday to wrap up its exhibition schedule.
The team opens its Olympic schedule July 29 against host France.
In a thrilling pre-Olympic women’s basketball match, Canada emerged victorious over Australia in a closely contested game. The Canadian team displayed exceptional skill and teamwork, outperforming their Australian counterparts in a game that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
From the opening tip-off, both teams came out strong, with Canada taking an early lead thanks to their sharp shooting and aggressive defense. Australia, known for their strong basketball program, fought back hard, but Canada’s relentless pressure on both ends of the court proved to be too much for them to handle.
One of the standout players for Canada was point guard Kia Nurse, who led her team with poise and determination. Her ability to drive to the basket and create scoring opportunities for her teammates was instrumental in Canada’s victory. Forward Natalie Achonwa also had a strong performance, dominating the paint and grabbing crucial rebounds to keep Australia at bay.
On the Australian side, Liz Cambage was a force to be reckoned with, using her size and skill to score points in the paint and grab rebounds on both ends of the court. However, Canada’s defense did a commendable job of containing her and limiting her impact on the game.
Overall, Canada’s victory over Australia in this pre-Olympic matchup is a promising sign for their chances in the upcoming Tokyo Games. With a strong roster of talented players and a winning mentality, Canada is poised to make a statement on the international stage and compete for a medal in women’s basketball.
As the Olympic Games draw near, fans can expect more exciting matchups and fierce competition as teams from around the world vie for glory on the basketball court. Canada’s victory over Australia serves as a reminder of the talent and determination that will be on display in Tokyo, making for an exhilarating tournament that fans won’t want to miss.