Canada's women's basketball team is one game away from qualifying for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.
Team Canada defeated host Hungary 67-55 Thursday to open the FIBA Olympic Qualifying tournament at Arena Sopron in Hungary.
Kayla Alexander led the way with 15 points and 13 rebounds, while Bridget Carleton topped all scorers with 18 points for the fifth-ranked Canadians in Sopron.
“I thought it was a really hard-fought game,” said Alexander in a news release. “Hungary battled us until the very end."
Canada jumped out to a 25-11 lead after opening the first 10 minutes, behind a strong start from Alexander and Achonwa who scored eight points apiece in the first quarter.
The Canadians shot 53 percent in the first quarter, holding Hungary to just 21 percent shooting as they built their lead.
Hungary opened the second quarter on an 11-2 run until Alexander shot a bucket inside to get Canada back on track.
“I’m happy to see how the team played together,” said Team Canada Head Coach Víctor Lapeña.
Hungary managed to get five points up on Canada midway through the third quarter but Canada reeled off 10 straight points to rebuild a 16-point lead into the final frame.
Alexander made a pair of free throws with 57 seconds remaining to keep Canada in front by 16 points.
The Canadians will now take on No. 4 ranked Spain on Friday at 9:30 a.m. ET.
A victory over Spain would qualify Canada for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.