Canada clinches Rio Olympics berth with FIBA Americas win over Cuba - The Globe and Mail
Kia Nurse led the way with 20 points as Canada defeated Cuba 82-66 in the gold-medal game of the FIBA Americas women’s basketball championship on Sunday to clinch a berth at the 2016 Rio Olympics. It is only the second time that Canada emerged victorious at the Americas tournament, previously winning it in 1995 in Hamilton – the only other time they served as the host country. A disastrous start to the third quarter for the host team saw Cuba go on an 11-point run and lead 46-44, but the Canadians regained their composure to hold a 65-54 advantage heading into the fourth. Leidys Oquendo scored 25 points for Cuba, which was ranked fourth in the Americas and 13th in the world to Canada’s rating of third in the Americas and 10th in the world. There has been plenty of recent history between the two countries, including Canada’s stunning 92-43 win over Cuba on Thursday to close out the round robin. The two teams also played each other twice at the last FIBA Americas in Mexico in 2013 where the Canadians beat Cuba 53-40 in the preliminary round finale to win their group. Cuba will have a second chance at advancing through to the Olympics, having secured a berth in next year’s FIBA women’s Olympic qualifying tournament. Source: www.theglobeandmail.com
