Canada opens up AmeriCup campaign with win over Mexico

LEON (Mexico) – After falling short of their podium goals during the 2021 FIBA Women’s AmeriCup, Canada made sure to come out strong in the 2023 edition as they cruised to a 83-57 win over Mexico on Sunday night at Domo de la Feria in León, Guanajuato, Mexico.

Canada veteran Nirra Fields had a strong showing early, leading Canada with 7 points using her size to drive past defenders and cut to the net, but it was a full team effort as Yvonne Ejim added another 7 points and Kayla Alexander add 4 points.

Defensively Canada held Mexico to just 7 first quarter points, allowing them to create a 16-point gap to build on throughout the game thanks to Fields and Shay Colley guarding close and quickly to create turnovers.

Mexico found their rhythm more in the second quarter as Sofia Payan once again was one of her team’s leading playmakers on offense, while Paola Beltran also contributed as Mexico outscored Canada 14-11 in the quarter.

After a less than desirable second quarter, Canada came out of the half strong and ready to win as Shay Colley scored 10 points in the quarter and Kayla Alexander commanded the boards using her length to grab 7 rebounds and reach a double-double by the end of the third.

Mariana Valenzuela came off the bench for Mexico to add 7 points in the quarter but as Beltran and Payan were held off the scoreboard other Mexico players needed to step up in order to keep up with Canada’s red-hot offense.

Claudia Ramos and Jacqueline Luna each added 5 points by the end of the quarter, but trailed Canada by 26 heading into the final frame of action as Aaliyah Edwards added two-way play for Canada.

In a level fourth quarter the two teams went back and forth sharing baskets, each scoring 22 points, but Merissah Russell commanded the boards defensively to keep the gap that Canada had created thanks to their strong third quarter and allowed them to get the win in their first game of the AmeriCup.

Colley led all scorers with 19 points, Alexander added 10 points and 18 rebounds including 10 offensive rebounds and Russell added 11 rebounds including 10 defensively for Canada in their statement win.

Payan was the only Mexico scorer to finish in double digits with 10 points and grabbed 5 rebounds, and Beltran finished with 9 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists in the loss.

FIBA