Canada continues strong play with win over Puerto Rico

LEON (Mexico) – A rematch of their Semi-Final from the 2021 edition of the FIBA Women’s AmeriCup, Canada got the better of Puerto Rico this time around as they defeated them 84-47 on Monday night at Domo de la Feria in León, Guanajuato, Mexico.

Shay Colley once again made a statement from the jump as she led Canada with 7 points in the first quarter along with Merissah Russell scoring early after contributing mostly on the boards in Canada’s previous match.

Kayla Alexander commanded the glass once again, grabbing 5 rebounds early including 4 defensively using her size to keep Puerto Rico from getting any second chances at the rim.

Puerto Rico has many weapons including quick, dynamic guards and Arella Guirantes has shown she is just that as she tipped in 5 points early while Mya Hollingshed showed off her two-way play once again as Puerto Rico trailed by just 3 points after one quarter, 19-16.

Yvonne Ejim called next for Canada as she tipped in 6 points in the second quarter as Canada’s bench continuously proved they are one of the deepest rotations in the tournament. As Alexander continued to defend the rim, Aaliyah Edwards took playmaking responsibility for Canada.

Jennifer O’Neill also picked it up in the second quarter, but for Puerto Rico, tallying 6 points herself in the quarter while Hollingshed played rim protector for her side on top of being a presence in the paint on offense.

Leading by 6 coming out of the half, Canada had their strongest quarter in the third as they not only held Hollingshed scoreless defensively shutting down one of Puerto Rico’s biggest players, but also Edwards found her scoring rhythm tipping in 9 points while Alexander tallied another double-double.

In the final quarter of action Canada held Puerto Rico to just 5 points as they forced Puerto Rico to make turnovers and capitalized by scoring, and also dominated in the paint with their size and length both offensively and defensively.

7 different Canadian players scored 6 or more points in the game as Edwards built off her momentum shooting 50 percent from the field and Ejim continued to shine on both sides of the ball.

Edwards led Canada with 14 points and 5 assists while Alexander added a 12-point, 13 rebound double-double and Ejim added 12 points and 7 rebounds.

Hollingshed and O’Neill both tipped in 10 points each for Puerto Rico while Hollingshed also added 8 rebounds in the loss.

FIBA