RIO DE JANEIRO – Canada’s women’s basketball team suffered its first defeat of the Olympics on Friday, an 81-51 blowout loss to the United States.
Miranda Ayim of London, Ont., led the Canadians in scoring with eight points. Maya Moore and Diana Taurasi had 12 points apiece for the American side, who clinched Group B with the victory. American Tina Charles poured in 10 points.
The U.S. won its 45th straight Olympic game after a sloppy start where the Americans (4-0) had their two lowest scoring quarters in Rio. They led only 18-16 after the first quarter and only could match that total in the second.
Yet the U.S. led 36-22 at halftime after forcing Canada into 15 turnovers and limiting the Canadians to one made field goal in the second quarter.
After losing to the Americans by 40 in a pre-Olympic exhibition contest, Canada (3-1) came in with its first ever undefeated start in the games. Kia Nurse, who plays at UConn for U.S. coach Geno Auriemma, was 1-of-9 and finished with just three points.
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