A loss would have meant a tough road — and potentially a failure to advance to the quarter\u002Dfinals — after Canada had dropped a tough opener against Serbia
But a gritty, brilliant defensive effort allowed Canada to overcome a monster game from South Korean centre Ji Su Park and rough outside shooting on the way to a 74-53 win.
Canada’s Shay Colley goes to the basket past South Korea’s Jin An in the women’s preliminary round group A basketball match between South Korea and Canada during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the Saitama Super Arena.The game was a lot closer than the final score indicated. Canada led by five at the half, doubled that advantage thanks to the lockdown defence through three, then, after South Korea snuck within six points in the fourth quarter, Canada went on a scoring rampage to pull away.
“We do have high momentum and goals,” said Canada’s head coach Lisa Thomaidis. “With the format of this tournament, there is a ton of pressure on every game, but we are relishing that,” Thomaidis said. Toronto’s Kayla Alexander, another big Canadian forward, added 10 points of her own in 11 minutes. Hamilton’s Kia Nurse had an off-night , but did hit a pair of three-pointers on four attempts. Shay Colley, of East Preston N.S., added nine as well and was effective in getting to the basket.South Korea, No. 19 in the FIBA women’s rankings, was coming off a surprisingly close four-point loss against Spain and hung around for much of this one until Canada surged in the fourth.
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Carleton, Achonwa lead Canada to much-needed Olympics basketball winA loss would have meant a tough road — and potentially a failure to advance to the quarter\u002Dfinals — after Canada had dropped a tough opener against Serbia
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