Canada beat Senegal to set new mark in tournament

RIO DE JANEIRO (Rio 2016 Olympic Games) - Canada made it three wins from as many games at the Women's Olympic Basketball Tournament after defeating Senegal, 68-58, on Wednesday evening.

The Americas champions joined the USA as the only other side to boast a perfect 3-0 record in Group B. The three wins sets a new record as never before had a Canadian team won more than 2 games in any previous editions of the competition.

Senegal scored the game's first five points but that was their only lead as Canada overtook them and were in front 17-10 by the end of the first quarter. They took their first double-digit lead midway through the second quarter, 24-14, and headed into the locker rooms up 33-24.

The Canadians stretched their advantage to 16 on two occasions in the third quarter but Senegal did not give up and thanks to an 8-0 run at the start of the final period were within striking distance at 56-49. They got within that seven-point margin once again but it was the closest they got as Miah-Marie Langlois, Nayo Raincock-Ekunwe, Kia Nurse and Kim Gaucher all scored big baskets down the stretch to close out the game. 

Turning Point: After Maimouna Diarra hit a free-throw to get Senegal within 66-58, Gaucher scored on a backdoor cut with 1:07 left to play and Canada held on. 

Stats Don't Lie: Canada's bench once again stepped up, outscoring Senegal's 28-17.

Hero: Tamara Tatham had an all-around performance finishing with team-high 13 points and 3 steals while leading all players with 10 rebounds. Langlois finished with 9 points and 6 assists. Astou Traore led all scorers with 24 points in a losing effort. 

The Bottom Line: While Canada are all but guaranteed a place in the Quarter-Finals, Senegal dropped to 0-3 and face tough tasks with upcoming games against Spain and European champions Serbia on Friday and Sunday respectively.

FIBA