The Canadian Senior Women’s National Basketball Team lost to a talented team in Spain that is currently ranked ahead of them in the world standings and finish group play with a 1-2 record. Spain finished with a record of 3-0 in Group A and look good to repeat for another medal. They are easily headed to the quarterfinals.
QUICK GAME RECAP
Spain is off to the quarterfinals while Canada has to wait for FIBA tie-breakers to see if they advance to the quarterfinals. Canada got off to a rough start from the beginning of the game and were already down by double digits after the first quarter. Spain lead 23-13 after the first quarter. In the second quarter, Canada responded and at one point, were down by just four points but Spain had answers behind Astou Ndour-Fall who led Spain in scoring with 12 points at half. She finished with 20 points. Spain led 40-34 at half.
In the third quarter, Spain responded quickly with a couple of baskets and led by 20 points at one point. Canada could not keep and were down by thirteen points after the third quarter. In the fourth quarter, Canada got back defensively, got some key baskets and were able to cut the lead down to six points with just 5:18 remaining in the game. However, Spain’s Alba Torrens responded with a three pointer and Canada could not get any closer than that. The final score was Spain winning by ten, 76-66.
GAME NOTES
- Canada looked lost in the first quarter. They let Spain get anything they wanted, especially in the paint.
- Canada was much better defensively in the second quarter and defended better, but Spain kept finding ways to score.
- Astou Ndour-Fall continues to shine for Spain. She was everywhere offensively and defensively for Spain.
- They shot 60% (Spain) overall and 69% FG in the first half.
- Canada shot 36% overall and 30% from 3 in the first half.
- Spain were hot in the third quarter and it was enough to win the game.
- Alba Torrens is still a very good player. Anytime Canada got close, Torrens always responded.
- Canada looked like two different teams in the first and third quarters compared to the second and fourth quarters. They looked like a team in the headlights in the first and third quarter, compared to the second and fourth quarter. That team looked like the 4th place team in the world.
- This was a tough loss for Canada. Spain is very good and one of the top 3 teams in the world. They showed it today.
- Canada now has to wait for FIBA tie-breakers to get into the quarterfinals which can seem excruciating
- Canada’s mission of “win a medal or bust” doesn’t seem to look good now.
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