OSAKA (Japan) - Canada roared back to claim a huge win over Bosnia and Herzegovina, 96-64, and confirmed their spot at the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2022.

“It is exciting to win with this kind of passion."

Getting back up

In their first game in Osaka, Canada wan unable to hold on to a 20-point lead and suffered a painful loss against Japan. However, in this game they recovered well both mentally and physically.

“Japan are great team and hard to guard from shooting threes. We were happy about how we start that game, especially when we were up to 20 points, but we were kind of tired in the second half,” said Bridget Carleton, who starred in this game with 28 points and 6 three-pointers.

“Tonight we put together 40 minutes. This was our goal, to go to Sydney.”

From the beginning of the game, Canada moved the ball tremendously well which created a lot of open opportunities, where they a high percentage. In the first quarter, Canada made 13 of 19 field goals and also controlled the paint, grabbing 5 offensive rebound.

Locking it up

This high-power offense gave Canada the momentum which they rode on all the way until the end of the game. Canada’s defense was just as impressive as they were able to stop Jonquel Jones, one of the most outstanding players in the world. Even though Jones scored a quick 11 points in the first quarter, she could only add 4 more points after that.

Freshly appointed head coach Victor Lapena has been highly positive about his team throughout these early stages. Even after suffering a tough loss to Japan, Lapena maintained his optimism.

He made sure to praise the team’s effort after the game as well. 

“Especially my players Kayla Alexander and Laeticia Amihere, they tried to make [Jonquel Jones] tired. When Jones is tired, she is human, and finally she does not have good option to score. It was our game plan and they executed game plan almost perfectly,” said Lapena.

The players themselves were pretty ecstatic about the win, too.

“Bosnia are great team on the rise and Jonquel Jones is best player in the world. It was obviously a challenge, but we are really confident in what our team has to offer. It is exciting to win with this kind of passion,” said Carleton.

Do the Carl(e)ton Dance

One might even say that Carleton outshined Jones in this game, as her total of points and three-pointers were more than anyone else had amassed in a single game across all Qualifying Tournaments. The 1.85m (6'1") guard scored 21 points in the first half alone, and it was her explosive firepower that fueled Canada to a 21-point advantage at the half time break. 

Carleton shined brightly in the game because of her shooting, which is something that she had put on emphasis to put on display heading into the game. Aside from being a personal target, it was also a tactical adjustment for the team to make this happen.

“Yesterday, we talked about how she needed the ball in her hand more to make right decision whether to score or pass to her teammates,” Lapena explained. “Because of her level, the defense has to be super ready approaching her. If more than one player came to defend her, she could pass the ball to the open side. If she is one-on-one with her skill-level, she can usually make two or three points. Her answer on the goal [today] is amazing.”

In this tournament, Carleton has gone 10-13 from beyond the three-point line. It might be a small sample size, but she is definitely putting her name in contention as one of the best shooters in the world. Also, at just 24-years-old, many people might start looking to her as Canada’s new go-to weapon on offense, as it seems that she might be ready for that role.

“I’ve be challenged even in the Tokyo Olympics to take more shots and that is my goal as and individual. Victor has confidence in me as well,” added Carleton.

Under Lapena, and with Carleton as one of the programs best offensive options, Canada’s new journey seems to be starting on a positive note.

FIBA