World Cup Bound! Veteran Ayim Rises to the Occasion
The Canadian Women’s National team is headed for Spain!
Canada took down Brazil in impressive fashion winning 84-45 in the Semi-Finals of the FIBA Women’s AmeriCup. This win books the Senior Women’s team a spot in the Final and qualifies them for the 2018 FIBA World Cup.
The veteran leader, Miranda Ayim showed her qualities scoring 15 points and hauling in eight rebounds. Ayim dominated down low but she was also able to stretch it out and knock down a shot from distance.
Kia Nurse and Nirra Fields both led the way in scoring, finishing with 16 points each. Fields also came away with four rebounds and two steals.
Nurse and Fields were making it splash all day against Brazil. All three of Nurse’s field goals came from long range and together they combined for five three pointers in the game.
Fields got Canada off to a hot start as she scored eight of their first 12 points. The women didn’t hold back and continued to push the ball to hold a strong 24-12 lead at the end of the first quarter.
Canada didn’t shoot the ball well in the second quarter as they did in the first but the women completely shut down Brazil allowing only ten points. Canada closed the half strong to take a commanding 41-22 lead at the half.
Team Canada only pulled away further in the second half, outscoring Brazil 43-23 en route to a 39-point victory.
Top Performers
Nirra Fields: 16 points | 4 rebounds | 2 assists | 2 steals
Kia Nurse: 16 points | 1 rebound | 1 assist | 1 steal
Miranda Ayim: 15 points | 8 rebounds | 1 assist | 1 steal | 1 block
Michelle Plouffe: 7 points | 4 rebounds | 4 assists | 1 steal
Shay Colley: 7 points | 2 rebounds | 2 steals | 1 assist
Miranda Langlois: 5 points | 9 assists | 3 rebounds | 2 steals
Up Next
Canada will play for the gold medal and the chance to defend their title from 2015 on Aug. 13 at 8:35 PM against Argentina. Canada will be the favourites heading into the match and they have played better as the tournament progressed. Argentina defeated Puerto Rico 48-44 in their Semi-Final match.
Team Canada qualified for the 2018 World Cup in Spain, which starts on Sept. 22, 2018.
