EDMONTON – 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.
Natalie Achonwa had 12 points for the Canadians, who went undefeated through the tournament to extend their winning streak to 14 consecutive games on home soil.
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It is only the second time that Canada emerged victorious at the Americas tournament, previously wining it in 1995 in Hamilton – the only other time they served as the host nation. The Canadians entered the tournament with plenty of momentum after recently beating the United States for gold at the Pan American Games in Toronto.
Canada got off to a rough start, trailing 18-10 with two minutes left in the opening quarter. They were able to bounce back and lead 44-35 at the half.
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.
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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 nations, 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. The Cubans bounced back to defeat Canada 79-71 in the gold medal game three days later.
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.
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