Canadian women lose to Spain in Olympic basketball qualifier

Kayla Alexander had 17 points and 14 rebounds but Canada fell 60-55 to Spain on Friday in FIBA Olympic qualifying tournament action in Sopron, Hungary.

Natalie Achonwa added seven points and 11 rebounds for fifth-ranked Canada, which fell to 1-1 with one more game remaining.

Megan Gustafson and Queralt Casas paced fourth-ranked Spain with 16 and 13 points, respectively. It was the Spaniards' first win of the tournament after falling to Japan on Thursday.

WATCH | Canada collapses late in loss to Spain:

Paris Olympic spot on hold as Canada collapses late in loss to Spain

10 months ago

Duration 2:06

After taking the lead with 4:44 remaining, Canada failed to score a point the rest of the way, as Spain won 60-55 at the FIBA Olympic qualifying tournament in Sopron, Hungary. Canada can still clinch a spot at the Paris 2024 Olympics when they play Japan on Sunday.

The four-team competition is one of four qualifying tournaments in play for the remaining 10 spots for the 2024 Paris Games. The U.S. and France already have spots in the Olympics.

The top two teams from the tournaments involving the U.S. and France will qualify, while the top-three teams from the other two tournaments will book their tickets to Paris.

Canada topped host Hungary 67-55 on Thursday and will next face ninth-ranked Japan on Sunday.

WATCH | Achonwa, Fields, Lapeña discuss Olympic qualifier:

Canada's women's basketball team prepares for their last chance tournament to qualify for Paris

10 months ago

Duration 1:38

The Canadian women's basketball team will play in a last-chance tournament to qualify for the Paris Olympics. Canada must finish in the top three of four teams to advance.