Canada showcased a dominant performance, securing an 86-71 victory over New Zealand in the semifinal of the FIBA Women’s Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament held in Guadalajara. Throughout the game, Canada maintained the lead for almost 32 minutes, reaching a substantial 30-point advantage in the third quarter.

Syla Swords and Delaney Gibb both contributed significantly with 17 points each, while Jasmine Bascoe added 15 points along with eight assists and four rebounds, propelling Canada into the final. Swords displayed remarkable accuracy, shooting 6-for-8 from the field and a perfect 5-for-5 from beyond the arc.

In the upcoming final match scheduled for Sunday in Guadalajara, Canada will go head-to-head against host Mexico, competing for the tournament title and a coveted spot in the subsequent phase of Olympic qualification. Mexico secured their final berth by defeating Brazil in the other semifinal clash.

Canada previously triumphed over Mexico with a score of 70-64 during the group stage, setting the stage for an anticipated rematch in the championship showdown. The victor of the tournament will secure a spot in one of the FIBA Women’s Olympic Qualifying Tournaments set to take place in February 2028.