LONDON, ENGLAND – In front of a large crowd that favoured Great Britain, Canada went in and took care of business as they were able to be the hosts 73-65. This marks the first win for the women’s Olympic basketball team and helps even their record to 1-1.

Canada was led by Shona Thorburn (Hamilton, ON) who scored a game-high 18 points while, Courtnay Pilypaitis (Orleans, ON)  and Kim Smith (Mission, BC) each scored 11 points in the game.

“I felt a lot of things weren’t going our way, it wasn’t pretty basketball, but we pulled out the win and that’s what’s important,” said Canadian guard, Shona Thorburn.

Great Britain was led by Jo Leedham and Natalie Stafford who both scored 15 points in the game.

Canada was able to get off to a better start compared to their opening game against Russia. In the opening ten minutes of the game, it was a back and forth game with margin never getting over four points. Canada was able to get it done on the defensive end as they were able to cause seven turnovers in the opening frame. Shona Thorburn hit a 3-pointer at the buzzer to give Canada the 19-15 lead.

In the second quarter, the game continued to go back and forth. Canada continued to shoot efficient from behind the arc, as they shot 4 of 8 in the opening half. Chelsea Aubry (Kitchener, ON) led the way for Canada with five points in the quarter and Canada went into the break with a 36-32 lead.

To begin the third quarter, Canada and Great Britain started sloppy by turning the ball over frequently. Both Canada and Great Britain traded numerous 3-pointers, as teams were able to shoot the ball efficiently. After it was all said and done, Canada ended the quarter with a 55-53 lead heading into the crucial final ten minutes.

In the final frame, Great Britain went on an early run to take the 61-57 lead with 6:10 left in the game. Canada unlike their opening game, were able to battle back and dig themselves out. Canada finished the game on a 16-4 run to win the game.

This was the Canadian Women’s first win in the Olympics since September 24, 2000 when they beat Brazil 61-60.

For box score, click here.  

Canada will next play France on Wednesday, August 1 at 4:00 a.m. EDT. The game will be televised on CTV and will be available to watch online at CTVolympics.ca.

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