ANKARA, TURKEY – The Canadian women’s basketball team clinches a spot in the quarter-finals at the FIBA World Championships for the first time since 1994 with an impressive win over the Czech Republic Wednesday.

Head Coach Lisa Thomaidis praised her team for their intensity and discipline in the victory.

“It was a great win at the perfect time. I'm so proud of our players, they trusted in the game plan and stayed the course. I'm so happy it all came together today.? We're ecstatic.”

In arguably Canada’s best performance of the tournament to date, the young team came out of the gates in the first quarter with great execution and poise, establishing the lead after 10 minutes of play, 22-13.

Canada would continue to shine offensively in the 2nd and 3rd quarters and hold the lead, 65-55 heading into the last 10 minutes of play.

That was the last time Czech Republic would be within 10 points, as Canada’s consistent effort propelled them to the dominant win, 91-71.

Leading the way for Canada was Kim Gaucher (Mission, BC) who tallied 17 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal and 1 block, while Nirra Fields (Montreal, QC) contributed 15 points, 6 rebounds and 2 steals of her own in the win.

“Now we look forward to the next game against Australia. We've played them this summer in an exhibition, which is helpful. We know it'll be a tough, physical game, and we'll be ready,” said Head Coach Lisa Thomaidis.

Canada has now clinched a top 8 finish in the tournament and are looking to improve upon their 12th place finish at the 2010 FIBA World Championship. They will look to continue their run in Turkey when they play Australia in the quarterfinals, Friday (Time TBD), live on NBATV Canada and tape-delayed on Sportsnet1.

Full box score from Canada vs. Czech Republic:

http://www.fiba.com/world/women/2014/0110/Czech-Republic-Canada#|tab=boxscore_statistics

For the complete 2014 FIBA World Championship for Women schedule, go to

http://basketball.ca/en/team_programs/womens-team

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