Classy Canada blow away Sweden to book Tokyo slot

OSTEND (Belgium) - Canada will be stepping out in Tokyo after they clinically rolled over Sweden 80-50 to rack up their second victory of the FIBA Women's Olympic Qualifying Tournament in Ostend.

After a hard-fought opening couple of quarters, Canada turned up the heat after the interval and Sweden had no response as they imploded.

Turning Point: Canada prospered from a buzzer-beater by Kayla Alexander on the stroke of half-time. It handed them a six-point cushion after an otherwise tight first half. They used that added momentum and came out for the third period to take the game completely away from Sweden.

Game Hero:  Natalie Achonwa was feeling it with an 8 of 9 shooting effort en-route to 16 points, while also hauling down 8 rebounds.

Stats Don't Lie: Canada crushed Sweden 45-25 on the glass and shot 60 percent from two-point range.

Bottom Line: It was about as bad as it could get for Sweden who looked demoralized on the final buzzer and that could take a toll mentally as they try to pick themselves up against Belgium. They are likely to require both a big win and also the right result between Japan and Canada to have any chance of making it. Meanwhile Canada deservedly take their spot after a ruthless and efficient performance. Their physicality and smooth play at both ends of the court was terrific and especially in the last 20 minutes of the contest.

 
FIBA