VALDIVIA, CHILE - The U18 Women's National Team clinched a semi-final berth at the 2016 FIBA Americas U18 Women's Championship by defeating host Chile 88-39 on Thursday.

With the win, Canada qualifies for the 2017 FIBA U19 Women's World Championships.

"It was a good win," says Carly Clarke, head coach of Canada's U18 Women's Team. "The building was full of energy. We tried to feed off that and we did successfully. We carried on that energy throughout the game and got our victory.

"We've sealed a spot in the semi-finals and it's great to have met that goal and to qualify for the World Championships. Now it's time to turn our focus to try to win the tournament."

Canada's starting unit featured captain Mikaela Brewer, Hailey Brown, Mikaela Dodig, Alyssa Jerome and Aislinn Konig. Click here for full team roster.

Brewer led Canada with 22 points, and made all nine of her field-goal attempts, including four from beyond the arc. Jerome added 15 points, and Brown pitched in with 12 as Canada improved to 2-0, following its tournament-opening win over Mexico on Wednesday. Constanza Antero scored seven points for the host Chileans. For game boxscore click here.

A trio of Canadians hit double-digits in rebounds, as Canada dominated the glass to the tune of 75-34. Brown (12 boards) and Jerome (10) both registered double-doubles, while Summer Masikewich came off the bench to snag 12 rebounds, including a game-high seven on the offensive end. Canada was able to utilize its deep roster, with all 12 players getting on the scoreboard and none logging less than 11 minutes.

Brewer scored 10 points during a first quarter outburst that set the tone for the night.

With the game tied 3-3 early, Canada exploded to score 23 straight points over a span of five and a half minutes. Chile came back with a 6-0 run to make the score 26-9 after 10 minutes.

Canada blew things open with its second big surge of the game, an 11-2 run midway through the second quarter that made the score 43-16. The first half ended with Canada comfortably in front, 48-22.

The Canadians played strong defence in the third period, limiting the host team to just eight points, while scoring 23 to stretch their lead to 71-30 with one quarter remaining. Canada won the final period 17-9, the third time in the game Chile was held under 10 points in a quarter.

Canada next plays Puerto Rico at 6 p.m. EST on Friday, in a game that will decide first place in Group B. Semi-finals are scheduled for Saturday, followed by Sunday's final. For full tournament schedule click here.

"We're now looking forward to facing Puerto Rico," says Clarke. "They are fast, quick, they shoot the ball well and they are feisty."

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