After losing the game to Japan, Canada would not have been able to participate in the Olympics unless Spain defeated Hungary, but they came back from a 22-point deficit to win!
A day in the life of Canadian basketball.
Canada’s senior women’s basketball team entered the final game of the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament with a win to qualify.
After winning 1-1 in their first two games against Hungary and Spain, Canada has one last chance to clinch a ticket to Paris this morning against 2020 Olympic silver medalists Japan.
Canada loses to Japan and would only be eliminated if Hungary beats Spain in the subsequent game.
Well, both games were hectic days that resulted in Canada qualifying for the 2024 Olympics in Paris, France.
Canada vs. Japan match summary
Heading into the game against Japan, Canada’s game plan was likely to push Japan inside and avoid being taken out of three-point range. Japan doesn’t have the size to protect players like Kayla Alexander and Natalie Achonwa.
The first quarter was an even game for both teams, with Canada going inside and allowing a layup rather than allowing Japan to make three shots.
Canada, on the other hand, tried to feed their biggest players in the paint as much as possible. That explains why Natalie Achonwa led all Canadian scorers with eight points, and why Alexander had five of his own at the end of the first quarter.
In the second quarter, Japan was unable to make its first three shots until six minutes had passed. They also racked up fouls early on. Japan continued to find success in the paint even as Canada became a little more aggressive.
Japan made a strong advance to take a 10-point lead, but Canada’s challenge for the rest of the second half was to come back. Leticia Amihere played a big role in this effort with three blocks, and Bridget Carleton’s shots were starting to fall.
The first half ended with Sami Hill forcing Japan into a foul and making two free throws to put Canada up by four points at halftime. It was 50-46 for Japan.
Canada came roaring out of the halftime break, closing the scoring gap and getting a little sharper defensively. However, Japan did not run away and continued to attack inside the paint.
Bridget Carleton was huge in getting to the free throw line and trying to take advantage of Japan’s tough defense. Japan was able to catch up to a five-point lead again with four minutes left in the third inning.
Canada almost tied the game at the end of the third inning, but a travel call stopped the basket count.
Canada lost 70-67 going into the fourth.
The fourth quarter was just the same tough basketball as always. Japan continued to rally from a five-point lead, but Bridget Carleton led the team with multiple and-ones to keep Canada in the lead.
Canada had to limit the fouls as Shea Collie was fouled out with eight minutes left in the game. Still, Canada tied the score with four minutes remaining.
An offensive drought, some costly turnovers, and the Japanese team’s grit moved the game their way. Japan won the match 86-82 and earned a ticket to the Paris Olympics.
Bridget Carleton led the Canadian team in scoring with 19 points, eight rebounds and one assist. Nyla Fields had 17 points, seven rebounds, one assist and one steal. Kayla Alexander had 16 points and 14 rebounds. Natalie Achonwa had 12 points, nine rebounds, three assists and one steal.
Meaning — Spain vs Hungary
After losing to Japan, Canada’s fate was in Spain’s hands. For the Canadians to go to Paris, Spain needed to beat host Hungary in a match.
By the time halftime of that game, Spain was up by 19 points. The Hungarians completely blocked the Spanish attack and did not allow anything.
For a brief moment there, Canada’s Olympic hopes seemed to fade. Yet, somehow the Spanish team was able to come back from a 22-point deficit and get back into the game.
When Spain were trailing Hungary by 10 points, Chelsea accidentally promised all of Twitter that if Spain won the game, they would make Spanish paella. See below.
Maybe it was a promise to the universe…maybe it was the god of basketball. Anyway, Spain won the match against Hungary by one point.
With this victory, Canada won the tiebreaker against Hungary, eliminating the tournament host nation and qualifying Canada for the Olympics.
This will be the fourth consecutive Olympic Games appearance for the Canadian women’s basketball team, and the first time since 2000 that the men’s and women’s programs will compete together at the Olympics.
Canadians can now breathe a sigh of relief…
The tournament may not have gone the way Canada expected, dropping two of three games in a hard-fought battle, but that doesn’t matter anymore. They will have a few months to regroup, bring in some additional players and have another chance on the world stage.
Canada, who finished fourth in the 2022 FIBA World Cup, will be in the spotlight in Paris.
…and Chelsea has to go find a good paella recipe??
See you in Paris!
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