BACK-TO-BACK WINS AS CANADA BEATS CHILE 93-36 AT 2015 FIBA AMERICAS WOMEN'S CHAMPIONSHIP

(TORONTO, ON) August 10, 2015 – Canada has won back-to-back games after defeating Chile 93-36 at the 2015 FIBA Americas Women’s Championship in Edmonton, Alberta. The Women’s National Team is 2-0 at the tournament.

“Our players have bought in to team basketball. It’s not about who scores, it’s about if we score. That’s a key to our success,” said Head Coach Lisa Thomaidis.

Five players scored in double-digits for Canada. Kia Nurse, Tamara Tatham and Natalie Achonwa scored 14 points each, while Miah-Marie Langlois finished with 10 assists. Canada had 31 assists on 32 made field goals. Chile was led Catalina Abuyeres with 11 points. Chile’s star post player Ziomara Morrison left the game with an injury. For full box score, click here.

Canada started the game with a strong first quarter. From the opening tip, Canada attacked the rim and met little resistance. Free throws and open shots off solid passing gave the Canadians easy buckets. Chile could not find a rhythm on offence and Team Canada led 27-10.

There was no let-up in the second period. The Women’s National Team continued to secure rebounds and execute on offence. Depth played a factor again as Achonwa made her presence felt on both ends after coming off the bench. The offence slowed down as Canada turned the ball over but their strong defence made up for it. Canada hit the locker room with a 44-20 lead after two quarters.

Canada would make an effort to tighten up in the second half. They improved defensively, holding Chile to six points in the quarter. The Women’s National Team continued to impress on offence, scoring 22 points in the period with fluid ball movement. After thee, Canada led a 66-26 advantage.

Despite the score line, Canada maintained the intensity and matched their impressive first-quarter scoring total. Steals and unselfish play led to 27 points in the period for Team Canada. The depth maintained the defensive level of intensity and Canada saw out the result, winning 93-36.

“We’re a very unselfish team and we’re 12 players deep. Who are you going to guard on the perimeter and how do you stop Michelle Plouffe from driving? It’s hard for teams to guard us,” said Achonwa.

With the victory, Canada is now 2-0 to lead Group A.

On August 11, the Women’s National Team takes on Dominican Republic at 6:30 p.m. MT. Fans can watch the game live on TSN and TSNGO.

For the Women’s National Team roster and coaching staff, click here.

For details on the tournament, go to www.fibaamericas.com/can2015/en