CanadaB´ÎÔª¹ÙÍøÍøÖ·™s womenB´ÎÔª¹ÙÍøÍøÖ·™s basketball team has qualified for the Paris Olympics.
Bridget Carleton led the way with 19 points and eight rebounds but Canada fell to 1-2 dropping a pivotal game against Japan, 86-82, on Sunday in FIBA Olympic qualifying tournament action.
However, with three teams qualifying for the Olympics from the four-team tournament, Canada was able to make it through thanks to SpainB´ÎÔª¹ÙÍøÍøÖ·™s 73-72 win over Hungary later Sunday. It will be CanadaB´ÎÔª¹ÙÍøÍøÖ·™s fourth straight Olympic appearance.
Kayla Alexander chipped in 16 points and 14 rebounds for fifth-ranked Canada, with Nirra Fields contributing 17 points and seven rebounds of her own.
Evelyn Mawuli and Mai Yamamoto led ninth-ranked Japan, the reigning Olympic silver medallists, with 21 points apiece. Japan booked its ticket, along with SpainB´ÎÔª¹ÙÍøÍøÖ·™s, to Paris with the win.
The tournament is one of four qualifying competitions being played.
The Canadian Press