Skip to content
  1. Home
  2. Sports

Canada women qualify for Paris Olympics after Spain’s win in FIBA qualifier

Japan and Spain also secured their tickets to the games
The Canadian Press
web1_20240211110236-65c8f78f606bd04028376d3bjpeg
Canada’s women’s basketball team will need some help to qualify for the Paris Olympics. Kayla Alexander, left, and Laeticia Amihere, right, of Canada in action against Mawuli Stephanie of Japan during the women’ basketball Olympic qualifying tournament third round match between Canada and Japan in Sopron, Hungary, Sunday, Feb. 11, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/AP-MTI, Zsombor Toth

Canada’s women’s basketball team has qualified for the Paris Olympics.

Bridget Carleton led the way with 19 points and eight rebounds but Canada fell to 1-2 dropping a pivotal game against Japan, 86-82, on Sunday in FIBA Olympic qualifying tournament action.

However, with three teams qualifying for the Olympics from the four-team tournament, Canada was able to make it through thanks to Spain’s 73-72 win over Hungary later Sunday. It will be Canada’s fourth straight Olympic appearance.

Kayla Alexander chipped in 16 points and 14 rebounds for fifth-ranked Canada, with Nirra Fields contributing 17 points and seven rebounds of her own.

Evelyn Mawuli and Mai Yamamoto led ninth-ranked Japan, the reigning Olympic silver medallists, with 21 points apiece. Japan booked its ticket, along with Spain’s, to Paris with the win.

The tournament is one of four qualifying competitions being played.

The Canadian Press