SANTIAGO (Chile) – Two years ago Canada finished the Women's AmeriCup on the podium, taking home a bronze medal, but this time around are looking for gold. The team proved their place in the best of the Americas with a dominant 100-34 win over El Salvador at Centro de Deportes Colectivos on Saturday afternoon.
Turning point
While Canada was in control from tip-off to the final buzzer, its second quarter showing solidified a strong lead that allowed the team to get creative in their play and lineup choices. Canada poured in 32 points in the second quarter—their highest-scoring quarter of the game—while also giving up a game-high 16 points to their opponent during that stretch. Holding a lead of over 30 points, they had the flexibility to give every player in their rotation time on the court. Every member of Canada’s lineup contributed at least 4 points and logged a minimum of five minutes in the victory.
Player of the game
Canada has reloaded its roster with young talent such as Syla Swords, Tara Wallack, and Yvonne Ejim. These players showed that the next generation of Canadian hoopers are here to stay as she recorded a near double-double in the win of 8 points and 12 rebounds.
Stats don’t lie
Canada led by as much as 60, but its defense kept El Salvador to single-digit scoring in three of the four quarters. Of Canada's 66 rebounds, 40 came from the defensive end, with the team also recording three blocks and forcing 16 turnovers.
Bottom line
El Salvador played a respectable game, but Canada didn't just come to the AmeriCup to represent its country - the team is here to win a gold medal. The team knows that as always, their biggest competition will be the United States, but shooting 44% from the field, grabbing 66 rebounds and dishing out 29 assists, they have an all-around game that will be hard to beat.
They said
Ejim stated she is proud of her team’s connection on the court. "I thought we played well together offensively and defensively, just trying to make sure we all make each other play great. That's just going to keep getting stronger, so I thought this was a great game to start that off," said Ejim.
FIBA