Syla Swords (12), of Canada, shoots in front of Elizabeth Balogun (4), of Nigeria, in a women's basketball game at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024, in Villeneuve-d'Ascq, France. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Syla Swords (12), of Canada, shoots in front of Elizabeth Balogun (4), of Nigeria, in a women's basketball game at the 2024 Summer Olympics, Sunday, Aug. 4, 2024, in Villeneuve-d'Ascq, France. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
GUADALAJARA - Kayla Alexander had 14 points and four rebounds, Agot Makeer scored 13 points, and Canada defeated host Mexico 83-53 in the title game at the FIBA Women's Olympic pre-qualifying basketball tournament on Sunday.
The ºÃÉ«tvs, who entered the final with a 4-0 record — they beat New Zealand 86-71 in the semifinals — led 26-11 after the first quarter against Mexico and 47-26 at halftime.
Canada's biggest run in the game came in the opening three minutes of the third quarter when they outscored the hosts 11-0 to grab a 58-26 lead. Mexico responded with a 9-0 run later in the quarter, getting to within 58-35.
Canada had 11 offensive rebounds and 38 defensive rebounds for a total of 49, while Mexico had nine and 21 for a total of 30.
Syla Swords, who scored a dozen points for Canada in the final, was named the tournament's MVP. Teammate Yvonne Ejim, who had 10 points and 17 rebounds in the final, joined her on the tournament's all-star team.
With the title secured in Guadalajara, Canada takes another big step toward the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
This report by ºÃÉ«tvwas first published Aug. 23, 2026.
