Canada has logged back-to-back wins in the first phase of their 2015 exhibition schedule. The Women's National Team defeated Great Britain 73-45 in Logrono, Spain.
"Tonight we made huge improvements from yesterday's performance. The biggest difference was our transition game, we were able to get and run on Great Britain and get a lot of high-quality shots," said head coach Lisa Thomaidis.
Team Canada was led to victory by Hamilton, Ont. product Kia Nurse. The guard scored 16 points, shooting 1-1 from the field and 14-15 from the free throw line. Great Britain's Rachael Vanderwal scored 12 points along with two rebounds and two assists.
Canada opened the game on a 13-4 run over an 8-minute stretch. The lead would swell to 20-6 but a late score from Great Britain would trim it to 11 points.
After a strong offensive opening quarter, Canada would cool off slightly, only scoring 3 points in the first five minutes. Their defence would maintain the lead though, as Great Britain scored six points in the same stretch. A late offensive flurry saw Team Canada bump their lead to 34-22 at half time.
In the second half, Canada would find their offensive rhythm and score 20 points. Nurse continued to be disruptive, drawing fouls and getting to the free throw line. Team Canada would take full control through three quarters, winning 54-36 after 30 minutes of play.
Canada's defence would shine again in the fourth quarter, holding Great Britain to only 9 points in the final period. The Women's National Team would close the game out strong, winning 73-45 to move to 2-0 on the trip.
"I think we improved from our game yesterday. As a team and as a whole, our communication improved and we worked together," said Nurse.
Canada's next game is against Spain, the No. 2 ranked country in the world. Live stats and stream information will be posted on @CanBball and facebook.com/CanadaBasketball.
Full team roster and exhibition schedule: http://basketball.ca/en/news-article/womens-national-team-wins-first-game-of-2015-season-53-49
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